How Remote Work is Reshaping Property Management
The rise of remote work has dramatically transformed the property market, bringing both opportunities and challenges for property managers. As tenants increasingly drift out of the city centre to seek more space to live, suburban and rural properties have witnessed higher demand. Along with this transition, property managers need to be responsive to new expectations and operational complexities in order to compete.
In this article, we discuss four of the most critical challenges property managers face in the remote work era and how they can be addressed.
- Managing Widespread Property Portfolios
As tenants relocate to suburbs and rural towns, property managers are now managing increasingly scattered portfolios. This geographical spread poses logistics issues, including increased inspection travel time, maintenance coordination, and tenant communication.
Solution:
Implement property management software to automate functions like scheduling inspections and tracking maintenance requests.
Partner with local contractors and service providers to offer quick response times.
Utilise virtual property tours and remote check-ins to minimise unnecessary site visits.
- Meeting New Tenant Expectations
Remote work has changed what renters are looking for in a home. Tenants now seek out home office spaces, high-speed internet, and better soundproofing to accommodate work-from-home needs. Homes with outdoor space and smart home capabilities are also more desirable.
Solution:
Upgrade properties with fiber-optic broadband or Wi-Fi boosters to improve internet reliability.
Create living spaces that are multi-purpose by incorporating home office areas.
Offer flexible leasing terms attractive to remote employees who may need short-term or hybrid living arrangements.
- Overcoming Regional Regulations and Legal Complications
As local rental markets evolve, property managers must stay up to speed on changing local laws, tenancy legislation, and compliance matters. Such legislations vary regionally, and staying informed is critical to avoid fines and legal disputes.
Solution:
Stay ahead of local rental market trends and legal changes by subscribing to industry newsletters and attending property management workshops.
Work with legal professionals and compliance experts to ensure all lease agreements and policies are up to date.
Utilise automated compliance tracking software to monitor regulatory changes across regions.
- Maintaining Strong Tenant Relationships from a Distance
With tenants working from home,their expectations for rapid and streamlined property management services have increased. Maintenance delays or miscommunication may lead to unhappiness and higher turnover.
Solution:
Use 24/7 call answering services such as PropCall to provide tenants with immediate support for maintenance issues.
Offer video troubleshooting support to assess maintenance requests prior to sending contractors, reducing unnecessary callouts.
Create solid digital communication by using chatbots, emails, and tenant portals to facilitate smooth interactions.
Future-Proofing Property Management
The remote work era has transformed the handling of properties, and adaptability to confront these challenges is paramount to thriving. With tech-backed solutions, enhanced tenant experience, and alignment with evolving legislation, property managers can thrive in this new landscape.
PropCall makes it easy for property managers to adapt to such changes via 24/7 call handling, video triage for maintenance work, and expert support to ensure tenants remain content and properties are profitable.
Need to simplify your property management services?
Get in touch with PropCall today to discover how we can assist your business in the age of remote work, request a callback or call us on 0161 510 5600.