What Does a Property Manager Do for Landlords? A Landlord’s Checklist (From Tenant Screening to Repairs)

So, what does a property manager do for landlords?

Well, let’s be honest, being a landlord in Ontario can feel like a full-time job. From screening tenants and chasing late rent to navigating Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) regulations, it’s a lot to handle. And if you’re trying to do it all yourself? You’re probably stretched thin, or worse, making costly mistakes you don’t even know about yet.

Here’s a reality check:
According to a 2022 report by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), nearly 1 in 3 small landlords in Ontario have reported financial losses due to tenant-related issues like non-payment, property damage, or legal delays. And the majority of those cases stemmed from inadequate tenant screening and poor property oversight.

That’s where a professional property manager becomes not just helpful, but essential.

In this guide, we’re breaking down what a property manager actually does for landlords, from tenant screening to emergency repairs.

Let’s dive in.

Who Should Read This?

• First-time landlords navigating their first investment property

• Experienced investors looking to scale

• Out-of-town owners managing rentals in Ontario

• Property owners are frustrated with tenant turnover or maintenance chaos

What Does a Property Manager Do for Landlords? The Complete Breakdown

Let’s get into what property managers actually do, task by task.

Tenant Screening: Finding the Right Fit

This is where everything begins. One wrong tenant can mean months of unpaid rent, damages, and legal headaches.

Here’s what tenant screening looks like at Golfi Property Management:

• Comprehensive background checks (credit, criminal, income verification)

• Reference checks from past landlords

• Employment verification

• Compliance with Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA)

Why it matters: We’ve found that proper screening reduces eviction risks by 80%. That’s a number we stand behind because we’ve seen the flip side, landlords stuck with “professional tenants” who exploit legal loopholes.

Marketing the Property Like a Pro

Listing your property isn’t just snapping a photo and putting it on Kijiji. A professional property manager ensures your rental gets maximum visibility on the right platforms.

At Golfi, we offer:

• High-quality photography and videography

• Listings on multiple platforms, including Realtor.ca, Rentals.ca, and social media

• Competitive rental price analysis

• Signage and staging (where needed)

Good marketing = higher rents + shorter vacancy periods.

Rent Collection & Deposit Handling

You didn’t get into real estate to chase tenants for rent. That’s our job.

Here’s how we simplify it:

• Automated rent collection via secure portals

• Timely monthly deposits to landlord accounts

• Late fee enforcement & tracking

• Notices issued in accordance with LTB (Landlord and Tenant Board) guidelines

When rent is late, we don’t just “wait and see.” We act fast—so your cash flow doesn’t suffer.

Regular & Emergency Property Maintenance

When a pipe bursts at 2 AM, you don’t want that call. We handle everything—urgent and routine.

Golfi’s Maintenance Services Include:

• 24/7 emergency response

• Trusted network of licensed contractors and trades

• Preventive maintenance scheduling

• Detailed maintenance logs for records and tax purposes

We prioritize cost-efficient repairs without compromising on quality.

Inspections & Property Condition Reports

Inspections aren’t just checkboxes—they’re your protection.

We provide:

• Move-in and move-out inspections

• Scheduled mid-tenancy inspections

• Condition reports with photos

• Legal documentation in case of disputes

This protects you from unfair damage claims and ensures accountability.

Legal Compliance & Eviction Handling

Ontario’s landlord-tenant laws are strict—and ever-changing. A misstep can cost you thousands.

At Golfi, we:

• Stay updated with Ontario RTA and LTB processes

• Serve legal notices (N4, N12, etc.) properly

• Represent landlords at hearings if necessary

• Offer dispute resolution support

You won’t face the legal system alone—we’ve got your back.

Accounting, Tax Support & Financial Reporting

Keeping your books in order isn’t optional. It’s the difference between profit and penalty.

Our team offers:

• Monthly financial statements

• Year-end tax reports

• Expense tracking

• HST guidance (where applicable)

Having clear records saves time (and money) at tax time.

Vacancy Management & Turnovers

Empty units mean zero income. We work proactively to avoid that.

What we do:

• Market listings while current tenants are preparing to move

• Conduct pre-move-out inspections

• Turnover coordination (repairs, painting, cleaning)

• Fast relisting to minimize downtime

A well-managed turnover can cut vacancies by up to 50%.

Serving Southern Ontario: Why Local Knowledge Matters

Golfi Property Management isn’t just Ontario-based—we’re hyper-local. We manage properties across:

• Hamilton: Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek

• Halton: Burlington, Oakville, Milton

• Niagara: Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Catharines, Fort Erie

• Brantford & Area: Paris, Mount Pleasant, Cainsville

Knowing local markets means we understand zoning rules, rental demand, and municipal bylaws that impact your returns.

Common Mistakes Ontario Landlords Make (And How We Fix Them)

1. Choosing Tenants Based on “Gut Feelings”
➡ Always back decisions with proper screening.

2. Ignoring Maintenance Until It’s an Emergency
➡ Preventive care saves thousands.

3. Delayed Legal Action
➡ Delay = profit loss. We act fast.

4. Underpricing or Overpricing Rentals
➡ We do market analysis to find the sweet spot.

Cost of Hiring a Property Manager in Ontario

So, what does it cost?

At Golfi, our pricing is transparent, and we don’t mark up contractor fees. You only pay for what you get.

Practical Tips for Landlords Hiring a Property Manager

Ask these before signing:

• How do you screen tenants?

• What is your response time for emergencies?

• Do you offer financial reporting?

• Are your contractors licensed and insured?

• How often do you inspect the property?

Pro Tip: Always check if the manager has experience in your specific region. Knowing Hamilton isn’t the same as knowing Burlington.

How to Choose the Best Property Manager in Ontario

You don’t need 10 interviews to find a good fit. Just look for these qualities:

• Local expertise in your property’s region

• Responsive communication (within 24 hours)

• Clear contracts with service breakdowns

• Positive landlord reviews

• Licensed and insured vendors

At Golfi, we tick all these boxes—and we keep our processes simple and landlord-focused.

Myths vs. Facts: Clearing Up Property Management Confusion

Conclusion: Should You Hire a Property Manager in Ontario?

If you’re serious about maximizing rental income, protecting your property, and avoiding legal headaches, the answer is a solid yes. A property manager does far more than just collect rent—they act as a shield, strategist, and system behind your investment success.

At Golfi Property Management, we know Ontario rentals inside out. We’re not here to “sell” you—we’re here to partner with you. So whether you’re renting out a duplex in Dundas or a condo in Oakville, we’ve got you covered from tenant screening to emergency repairs.

FAQs

1. How much do property managers charge in Ontario?
Most charge between 6–10% of the monthly rent, plus a one-time leasing fee. At Golfi, our fees are fair and transparent.

2. Can I hire a property manager for just one property?
Absolutely. Many landlords hire us to manage just one unit, especially if they’re busy or live out of town.

3. What’s included in property management services?
Services include tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, inspections, legal notices, and more. We offer full-service packages.

4. What if my tenant stops paying rent?
We follow the correct LTB process, serve notices, and represent you in hearings if necessary. You won’t go through it alone.

5. Is property management tax-deductible in Canada?
Yes! Property management fees are typically a deductible expense for rental income purposes. Always confirm with your accountant.