Self manage your rental property or use a professional property manager?
An independent guide by MoneyHub, Renting Directly to Tenants vs Using an Agent, breaks down the pros and cons. We recommend Hamilton landlords and property investors from across New Zealand read it before making any decision.
Why MoneyHub’s Guide Matters for Hamilton Landlords
MoneyHub highlights several key points that are essential for anyone investing in Hamilton rental properties or Waikato property investments:
Time and stress – How to screen tenants effectively, conducting inspections, managing repairs, handling rent arrears and keeping up with tenancy law all require significant effort and expertise.
Compliance risk – Mistakes in tenancy agreements or property standards can result in fines or lost rental income.
Hidden costs – Many property managers add extra fees for advertising, inspections, lease renewals or maintenance. Mark ups on contractor invoices can quickly increase costs if you are not aware.
This guide is especially valuable for landlords in Hamilton and Waikato, as well as property investors outside the region who want to understand the true cost of managing a rental property.
The Hidden Cost: Maintenance Mark Ups
One of the most common concerns for landlords using a property manager is extra charges for maintenance work. Even a small repair can become significantly more expensive if a management company applies a percentage mark up. Over time, these hidden costs can reduce rental returns for both local and remote investors.
How We Do Things Differently at Propertyscouts Riverside
At Propertyscouts Riverside, transparency is our priority. Our management fees are clear, and we never add a percentage on top of maintenance invoices. If a contractor charges $200, you pay $200 – nothing more.
This approach gives Hamilton landlords, Waikato property investors and investors from outside the region confidence that maintenance is carried out efficiently, fairly and with no hidden costs.
By removing unnecessary mark ups, our landlords enjoy higher returns on their Hamilton rental properties while knowing repairs and maintenance are managed professionally.
Making the Decision: Self Manage or Use a Property Manager
Self management can work if you have the time, knowledge and confidence to handle tenants, compliance and day to day property management. But for many landlords, using a professional Hamilton property management service reduces stress and mitigates risk.
The key is knowing the full cost of managing a rental property, not just the visible management fees but also hidden expenses and compliance responsibilities. These are often overlooked and can be more costly than using a transparent property manager.
For property investors in Hamilton and the Waikato, as well as those based outside the region, a local property manager provides peace of mind that your rental is legally compliant, well maintained and occupied by quality tenants.
We’re Here to Help
Every landlord’s situation is different. At Propertyscouts Riverside, we prioritise transparency and clarity. Whether you own a single Hamilton rental property, multiple properties across Waikato, or are investing from outside the region, we are happy to talk you through the ins and outs of property management.
We also recommend reading MoneyHub’s independent guide Renting Directly to Tenants vs Using an Agent for a clear, unbiased view. Understanding both options helps you make informed decisions and protects your investment, wherever it is located.