What does a Resident Manager do?

A resident manager customarily assists people who live in a dormitory, hotel or apartment complex. The job is typically associated with apartment management. The position of resident manager can be found at small apartment complexes or in large apartment communities.

The duties of a resident manager vary according to the size of the complex or community. In smaller communities, she is usually in charge of maintaining the property and grounds in addition to collecting rent and handling tenant communications. Larger complexes normally have different managers to handle resident issues, property upkeep and rent collection.

The job of resident manager is typically a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week position. She is typically required to answer telephone inquires regarding vacancies, show available units to prospective tenants and place advertisements in newspapers and online when the complex has apartments available to rent. In the event the community has parking restrictions, she is the person normally in charge of enforcement.

If disputes arise among residents, the resident manager is typically called upon to intercede and offer resolutions. Typical issues that cause discord include loud music or confrontations regarding personal issues. She may be required to call law enforcement authorities if situations escalate.

Maintaining the property is commonly the responsibility of the resident manager. If tenants have complaints about improperly functioning appliances or problems with utilities such as water or electricity, she is regularly required to remedy the situations. She is generally authorized to call in third-party professionals if the repairs are beyond her scope of expertise.

Collecting rents is an important part of a resident manager’s job. She is ordinarily required to issue receipts for the payments and assess late fees if applicable. If a tenant cannot pay rent and refuses to vacate the premises, she is generally expected to initiate eviction procedures through the appropriate legal channels.

When rental units are vacated, the manager is responsible for conducting final walk-throughs with the departing tenants. She is typically required to note damages on an exit report that is signed by the tenant and manager. This report determines if the security deposit received when the tenant moved in will be refunded in whole or in part.

Before a new tenant moves into the unit, the resident manager is commonly expected to arrange for the apartment to be ready for occupancy. She customarily paints the walls, has the carpets cleaned or replaced and repairs any damages to the structure or appliances. If appliances require replacement, she typically notifies the complex owner to arrange the substitution.

The educational requirements for this position differ substantially depending on the size of the complex and the region in which it is located. Some jobs require a high school diploma or equivalent and others demand a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, business, finance or pubic administration. Work experience in sales or customer service is considered a good qualification.