If you’ve recently bought a rental property—or you’re feeling overwhelmed managing one—you’ve likely asked yourself: “Should I just hire a property manager?” It’s a smart question. While self-managing can save money, it also demands time, legal knowledge, and constant availability.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of both approaches to help you decide what’s right for your situation.
Self-Managing: The Pros
1. Save on Management Fees
You keep 100% of the rent and avoid paying monthly management fees (typically 8–12% of collected rent).
2. Direct Control
You choose your tenants, make your own rules, and oversee all decisions from repairs to rent increases.
3. Hands-On Learning
If you’re just starting out, self-managing can teach you the fundamentals of real estate—especially valuable if you plan to grow your portfolio.
Self-Managing: The Cons
1. Time-Intensive
Answering midnight maintenance calls, chasing late rent, handling move-ins/outs—it adds up quickly. And if you work full-time, it can burn you out fast.
2. Legal Liability
Saskatchewan’s Residential Tenancies Act has specific rules around notices, deposits, and tenant rights. One misstep can cost you thousands—or worse, land you in front of the ORT board.
3. Emotional Toll
Evicting someone, fielding complaints, or negotiating lease terms isn’t for everyone. Managing people is personal, and it can wear on you.
Hiring a Property Manager: The Pros
1. Hands-Off Peace of Mind
From tenant screening to maintenance, a good manager handles everything. You get regular updates without being in the weeds.
2. Legal Compliance
Property managers understand Saskatchewan’s laws and ensure all notices, inspections, and agreements follow local regulations.
3. Professional Marketing and Screening
A solid property manager will fill your unit faster with better tenants using professional photos, optimized listings, and a structured screening process.
4. Better Retention and Documentation
Tenants are more likely to stay longer in a professionally managed property. And if issues do arise, you have a paper trail of every communication, repair, and payment.
Hiring a Property Manager: The Cons
1. Monthly Cost
Expect to pay around 8–12% of monthly rent. Some managers may also charge fees for leasing, inspections, or project coordination.
2. Less Direct Control
You’ll need to trust the team managing your property. A poor manager can cause more problems than they solve—so choose wisely.
3. Not All Managers Are Equal
Professionalism, responsiveness, and transparency vary widely. It’s critical to ask the right questions and read reviews before hiring.
So, What’s Right for You?
Ask yourself:
- Do I have time to respond to tenant issues within 24 hours?
- Am I comfortable with conflict resolution and legal paperwork?
- Is my rental income high enough to justify paying for peace of mind?
If managing one or two properties fits into your lifestyle, go for it. But if you’re growing, have a full-time job, or simply want fewer headaches, hiring a trusted property manager may be the smarter play.
At Premier Prairie Property Management, we treat your rental like it’s our own—with clear communication, transparent pricing, and fast response times for both tenants and owners. Whether you’re local or out-of-province, we make rental property ownership stress-free.