Should You Hire A Property Manager?
Owning rental property in the High Desert — whether it’s in Hesperia, Apple Valley, Victorville, or one of the surrounding communities — can be a smart way to build wealth. The demand for housing here has been steady, with more people moving inland from larger cities, and rental rates have grown alongside that demand. On paper, it’s a great setup.
But as many landlords quickly find out, the “passive income” label can be misleading. Between tenant communication, repairs, inspections, and keeping up with California’s rental laws, managing a property is far from hands-off. That’s where property management companies come in — and deciding whether to hire one isn’t always straightforward.
There are real benefits, but there are also reasons some landlords choose to self-manage. The right choice depends on your goals, your time, and your tolerance for the day-to-day realities of being a landlord.
The Upside of Working With a Property Manager
One of the clearest advantages is experience. Property management companies have already navigated just about every situation a landlord might face — problem tenants, urgent repairs, legal disputes, and market downturns. They understand the ins and outs of California’s landlord-tenant laws, from rent increase limits to eviction procedures, which can help owners avoid costly mistakes.
Time savings is another big one. When you self-manage, your phone doesn’t stop ringing just because it’s after hours or a holiday. A leaking water heater at 10 p.m.? That’s your problem to solve. A property manager becomes the point of contact, so you’re not stuck taking emergency calls at all hours.
Maintenance is another area where managers can bring real value. Most have long-standing relationships with reliable vendors and contractors, which often means quicker response times and better pricing. They also schedule preventative maintenance, things like HVAC servicing, roof checks, and pest inspections. This keeps small issues from turning into expensive repairs.
Vacancy reduction is a big one too. Every month a property sits empty is money lost, and managers tend to have systems in place to minimize that downtime. They can coordinate cleaning and repairs right after move-out, market the property across multiple platforms, and handle showings efficiently. Plus, good tenant relations mean higher renewal rates, so you’re not constantly starting over with new renters.
The Trade-Offs to Consider
Of course, hiring a property manager comes with a cost. Most charge a percentage of the monthly rent (often in the 8% to 10% range) plus fees for leasing, lease renewals, and sometimes a small markup on maintenance work. For landlords with slim margins, this can feel like a significant cut into profits.
There’s also the matter of control. Some owners prefer to be involved in every decision, from choosing tenants to approving repairs. With a management company, much of that is handled without your direct involvement, especially for smaller, routine matters. For some, that’s the whole point — for others, it’s frustrating.
Another potential drawback is that not all management companies operate at the same level. A poorly managed firm can lead to long vacancies, unhappy tenants, and sloppy recordkeeping. That’s why researching and vetting a company before signing a contract is essential.
What to Look For in a Property Management Company
If you do decide to hire a manager, the selection process matters just as much as the decision itself. Here are a few qualities worth prioritizing:
Local market knowledge – Understanding the rental trends in the High Desert specifically, not just general real estate trends.
Transparent fees – A clear breakdown of management, leasing, renewal, and maintenance costs.
Communication style – Responsiveness matters; you don’t want to wait a week for an answer to a simple question.
Tenant screening process – Strong vetting reduces the risk of late payments, property damage, and early move-outs.
Maintenance procedures – Ask how they handle repairs, what vendors they use, and whether they approve costs with you first.
The goal is to find a company that not only manages the property well but also works in a way that matches your preferences as an owner.
When It Makes Sense to Hire a Manager
Hiring a property manager is especially beneficial when:
You live far from the property and can’t be there regularly.
You own multiple rentals and the workload is stacking up.
You have other commitments and don’t want the stress of day-to-day management.
You value the legal protection that comes with professional oversight.
For many landlords in the High Desert, it’s less about whether they can self-manage and more about whether they want to. If your goal is to keep the income truly passive, a management company can make that possible.
When Self-Management Can Still Work
Some owners enjoy the hands-on approach. If you live close to your rental, have reliable vendors on speed dial, and like being involved in everything from marketing to maintenance, self-managing can work. It’s also more financially appealing if you’re confident you can keep the property occupied and handle repairs without delay.
That said, it’s important to stay on top of California’s rental laws and keep accurate financial records. Even a simple oversight , like returning a security deposit late or serving the wrong type of notice, can result in penalties.
The Bottom Line
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether you should hire a property management company. For some landlords in the High Desert, it’s a game-changer that frees up time, reduces stress, and helps the property run more smoothly. For others, it’s an unnecessary expense that takes away the control they enjoy having.
The key is to be realistic about your availability, your experience, and your willingness to deal with the inevitable challenges that come with rental property ownership. If you decide to bring in a professional, choose carefully. The right management partner can protect your investment and help it grow, while the wrong one can cause more problems than it solves.
If you’re ready to see how The Property Connection can help you get the most out of your investment, contact us today for a free property evaluation.