Property management

What a flat manager handles vs. a building manager

A rental manager handles your relationship with the tenant and tasks related to your specific flat. They can prepare the listing, organise viewings, monitor payments and arrange repairs. That doesn't automatically mean taking over the lift, the roof or the accounts of the owners' association (SVJ).

Managing a building's common areas has a different scope and a different client. So a single building may have a management company working for the SVJ and, at the same time, a separate rental manager for one particular flat. A clear division of roles helps you know whom to report a fault to and who can order the repair.

What to agree on before handing over the keys

Besides the price of the service, clarify who approves the tenant, what spending limit the manager has for ordering repairs and how you'll receive payment reports. Also ask what the regular fee includes, what is billed separately and how documents are handed over if the cooperation ends.

Here's an example: the manager discovers a fault with a built-in oven. Under the contract, they may arrange a diagnosis, but replacing the whole appliance above the agreed limit has to be discussed with you first. It's exactly these everyday situations that show whether the scope of the cooperation is well defined. The word “comprehensive” alone is no substitute for agreed rules. Even with a manager, some decisions and obligations remain yours as the owner.