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Top 10 Best Property Management Companies to Trust in 2025
So you're thinking about diving into the rental property game? I can't blame you. Property investment has long drawn entrepreneurs from all walks of life, and the promise of passive income is pretty tempting. But while it's easy to get swept up in the excitement of rental returns, managing properties isn't as simple as collecting rent checks and calling it a day.
Choosing the right property management company can be the key to unlocking your rental property's full potential - you know, actually maximizing that rental income while keeping your sanity intact.
In this guide, we'll break down the 10 best property management companies with a national reach in the U.S. and a presence in the global market. These aren't just any old property managers - we're talking about the big players who know their stuff.
How Does a Property Management Company Work?
Think of a property management company as your rental property's personal assistant - except they're actually good at their job. These third-party contractors take on the daily grind of managing properties, so you don't have to. We're talking rent collection, tenant screening, coordinating repairs when your tenant's dishwasher decides to flood the kitchen at 2 AM - the whole shebang.
With the right property management company in your corner, you'll get to enjoy the sweet benefits of property ownership without the usual headaches that come with it.
Their expertise can span various areas - residential property management (think single-family homes and multifamily units), commercial property management, and industrial property management. It's like having specialists for every type of property puzzle.
One subcategory that's been making waves in recent years is short-term rental management. Unlike traditional residential management, STR management focuses on hosting short-term guests - basically turning your property into a mini-hotel operation.
What Percent Do Most Property Management Companies Take?
Let's talk money, shall we? Typically, a property management company will take between 8-12% of your rental income. Now, if you're dealing with the more labor-intensive short-term rental property maintenance, this number can jump up from 10 to 30% depending on just how much work they're putting in. Sometimes property managers will charge a flat monthly fee instead, especially for short-term rentals or apartment buildings.
How Much Can a Property Manager Earn per Rental?
Here's how the math works out. The most common way property managers earn their keep is by charging a percentage of the rental income - usually somewhere between 8% to 12%.
So if your property rents for $2,000 per month, your manager would pocket between $160 and $240 each month for their services. Keep in mind that with short-term rentals, that income's going to bounce around from month to month like a ping-pong ball.
Top 10 Best Property Management Companies for 2025
1. Greystar Real Estate Partners
When we talk about the largest property management company in the United States, we're talking about Greystar Real Estate Partners. As of 2025, these folks manage over 835,000 residential units - making them the absolute heavyweight champion of the property management world. They've set up shop in Charleston, South Carolina, but don't let that fool you - they're managing everything from residential to commercial and mixed-use developments. Their portfolio's spread across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. Talk about global reach!
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extensive Experience: With decades under their belt, Greystar's got a track record that speaks for itself.
- Global Reach: Their international presence means they can handle diverse properties and cater to all sorts of market needs - pretty handy if you're thinking big.
- Comprehensive Services: From property management to development and investment, Greystar's your one-stop shop for real estate services.
- Strong Reputation: They're well-regarded for professionalism, quality service, and their commitment to sustainability - which is always a plus these days.
Cons:
- Cost: Being the top dog comes with a price tag. Greystar's services might hit your wallet harder than you'd like, especially if you're watching your budget.
- Scalability Concerns: While they're fantastic with large portfolios, smaller property owners might find their services feel a bit... impersonal.
Pricing
Greystar's pricing can vary quite a bit depending on where your property is, what type it is, and what services you actually need.
Generally speaking, their management fees are competitive with other top-tier companies - usually ranging from 8% to 12% of your monthly rental income. Just heads up though, you might see additional fees for specific services like leasing, renewals, and maintenance.
2. Lincoln Property Company
Based out of Dallas, Texas, Lincoln Property Company (LPC) operates on a global scale, managing both residential and commercial properties. They've built quite a reputation for excellence in property management, development, and investment - basically, they know what they're doing.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Extensive Experience: LPC's been around the block for decades, so you're getting reliable and professional services from people who've seen it all.
- Wide Range of Services: They offer everything from property management to development and investment - it's like a real estate buffet.
- Strong Market Presence: Their large portfolio and global presence means they can leverage economies of scale and industry expertise for your benefit.
- Focus on Sustainability: Their commitment to sustainability is great news for environmentally conscious clients.
Cons:
- Cost: Quality comes at a price, and LPC's services might be out of reach for smaller property owners or those keeping a tight grip on their budgets.
- Scale: Sometimes being big means you can't always give that personal touch individual property owners are looking for.
Pricing
LPC's pricing varies quite a bit based on location, property type, and what specific services you need. Typically, you're looking at management fees ranging from 7% to 10% of your monthly rental income, plus additional fees for leasing, renewals, and maintenance services.
3. Cushman & Wakefield
These folks are known for their comprehensive property management, valuation, and advisory services. Cushman & Wakefield manages properties across various sectors - office, industrial, retail, and multifamily. They're basically the Swiss Army knife of property management.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Global Expertise: Cushman & Wakefield's international presence is pretty impressive - they know markets all over the world.
- Wide Range of Services: From property management to valuation and advisory, they've got all your real estate needs covered.
- Professionalism: They're widely regarded for their high standards and industry expertise - these aren't amateurs we're talking about.
- Technology and Innovation: Their use of advanced technology and data analytics helps clients optimize property performance and make smart decisions.
Cons
- Cost: Premium services come with premium prices, which might not work for everyone, especially smaller property owners watching their pennies.
- Focus on Commercial Real Estate: Their main focus on commercial properties might leave residential property owners feeling a bit left out.
Pricing
Cushman & Wakefield's pricing varies widely based on property type, location, and specific services. Generally, management fees for commercial properties range from 3% to 7% of the gross rental income. Additional fees may apply for specialized services like valuation, advisory, and sustainability consulting.
4. CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group operates in more than 100 countries and offers services across various property sectors - office, industrial, retail, multifamily, and healthcare. They're essentially everywhere you need them to be.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Global Reach: CBRE's extensive international presence gives clients access to global real estate opportunities - pretty sweet if you're thinking internationally.
- Wide Range of Services: They offer everything from property management to valuation and advisory - it's comprehensive, to say the least.
- Industry Expertise: Known for high standards and professionalism, CBRE's widely regarded as a leader in the real estate industry.
- Innovation and Technology: They leverage advanced technology and data analytics to optimize property performance and enhance decision-making.
Cons:
- Cost: Premium services mean premium prices, which might not suit smaller clients or those with tight budgets.
- Focus on Commercial Real Estate: Their primary focus on commercial properties might not cater to residential property owners' specific needs.
Pricing
CBRE's pricing varies widely based on property type, location, and specific services required. Typically, management fees for commercial properties range from 3% to 7% of the gross rental income. Additional fees may apply for specialized services like valuation, advisory, and sustainability consulting.
5. Colliers International
Colliers International is a global real estate services and investment management company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. They operate in 68 countries with over 15,000 professionals - that's a lot of expertise spread across the globe. They provide services to clients in various property sectors, including office, industrial, retail, multifamily, and hospitality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Global Reach: Colliers' extensive international network provides clients with deep market insights and access to global real estate opportunities.
- Wide Range of Services: They offer everything from property management to strategic advisory and capital markets - it's quite the lineup.
- Industry Expertise: Colliers is known for professionalism and expertise across various property sectors.
- Innovative Solutions: They leverage advanced technology and innovative solutions to enhance property performance and client satisfaction.
Cons:
- Cost: Their services come at a premium, which might not work for smaller clients or those with limited budgets.
- Complexity: Being large-scale with extensive service offerings can sometimes lead to complexity in service delivery and communication - not always a bad thing, but worth noting.
Pricing
Colliers' pricing varies based on property type, location, and specific services required. Generally, management fees for commercial properties range from 3% to 6% of the gross rental income. Additional fees may apply for specialized services like valuation, advisory, and project management.
6. JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle)
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) is a global real estate services firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. With operations in over 80 countries and more than 90,000 employees, JLL provides services across the commercial real estate sector - property management, leasing, investment management, and advisory services. They're basically everywhere you look in commercial real estate.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Global Expertise: JLL's extensive international presence is pretty impressive - they know markets inside and out.
- Wide Range of Services: From property management to investment management and advisory, they've got you covered from every angle.
- Innovation and Technology: JLL leverages advanced technology and data analytics to enhance property performance and client decision-making.
- Strong Reputation: Known for professionalism and high standards, JLL's widely respected in the real estate industry.
Cons:
- Cost: Premium services can be costly, which might not suit smaller clients or those keeping a tight budget.
- Focus on Commercial Real Estate: Their primary focus on commercial properties might not cater to residential property owners' specific needs.
Pricing
JLL's pricing varies based on property type, location, and specific services required. Generally, management fees for commercial properties range from 3% to 7% of the gross rental income. Additional fees may apply for specialized services like valuation, advisory, and project management.
7. AvalonBay Communities
AvalonBay Communities focuses on developing, acquiring, and managing multifamily communities, primarily in high-barrier-to-entry markets in the United States - think New York City, Washington D.C., and California. They're all about those premium locations.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-Quality Properties: AvalonBay's properties are well-maintained and located in desirable areas - we're talking high standard of living here.
- Sustainability Focus: Their commitment to sustainability and green building practices is great for environmentally conscious folks.
- Comprehensive Resident Services: AvalonBay provides resident services that enhance convenience and satisfaction - they really look after their tenants.
- Strong Market Presence: With their focus on high-barrier-to-entry markets, AvalonBay maintains strong market presence and stable demand for their properties.
Cons:
- Cost: Premium quality and desirable locations come with higher rental rates, which might not be affordable for everyone.
- Limited Geographic Reach: While they've got a strong presence in certain markets, their operations are concentrated in high-barrier-to-entry areas, which might limit accessibility for residents in other regions.
Pricing
AvalonBay's pricing varies based on location, property type, and specific amenities offered.
Generally, AvalonBay communities are positioned as premium properties, with rental rates reflecting their high quality and desirable locations. So yeah, rents are typically higher than average market rates, especially in high-demand areas.
8. Equity Residential
Equity Residential operates primarily in urban and high-density suburban markets across the United States. Their portfolio includes luxury apartments and affordable housing units, catering to diverse demographics. They offer rental services like online rent payment, maintenance requests, and resident events - pretty modern stuff.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Prime Locations: Properties are typically located in desirable urban and suburban areas, offering convenient access to amenities and transportation.
- High-Quality Living: Equity Residential properties are well-maintained and offer amenities that contribute to a high standard of living.
- Sustainability Focus: Their commitment to sustainability and green practices is always a plus.
- Strong Market Presence: Equity Residential has a robust presence in key markets, ensuring stable demand and high occupancy rates.
Cons:
- Cost: Premium quality and prime locations result in higher rental rates, which may not be affordable for all potential residents.
- Occasional Maintenance Issues: Some reviews mention occasional delays in maintenance response times and the need for improved communication from management - nobody's perfect, right?
Pricing
Equity Residential's pricing varies based on location, property type, and specific amenities offered.
Generally, rental rates reflect the premium quality and desirable locations of the properties, with rents typically higher than average market rates, especially in high-demand urban areas.
9. WinnCompanies
Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, WinnCompanies manages a diverse portfolio that includes residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties. They're particularly known for their work in affordable housing.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Affordable Housing Focus: Their expertise in affordable housing is a significant advantage, providing quality housing options for low-income families.
- Sustainability Commitment: WinnCompanies' focus on sustainability and green practices is beneficial for environmentally conscious residents and communities.
- Community Development: Their involvement in community development projects helps revitalize neighborhoods and create better living environments.
- Comprehensive Services: With a wide range of property management and development services, WinnCompanies can meet diverse client needs.
Cons:
- Geographic Limitations: While they've got a strong presence in certain regions, their services may not be as accessible everywhere.
- Cost for Premium Services: Although they focus on affordable housing, premium properties and services might come at higher costs, potentially limiting access for some residents.
Pricing
WinnCompanies' pricing varies widely based on location, property type, and specific services required.
For affordable housing projects, rents are typically set according to local housing authority guidelines. For market-rate properties, rental rates reflect the quality and amenities offered, generally aligning with regional market standards.
10. Bozzuto
Bozzuto specializes in property management, development, construction, and homebuilding, with a portfolio that includes luxury apartments, affordable housing, and mixed-use communities. They're kind of like the full-service option in property management.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Diverse Portfolio: Bozzuto's ability to manage both luxury and affordable housing properties ensures broad appeal and accessibility.
- Community Engagement: Their focus on community-building and resident engagement enhances the living experience - they actually care about creating communities.
- Quality and Innovation: Bozzuto's known for high standards in property management and innovative approaches to development and construction.
- Sustainability Commitment: Their dedication to sustainability and green practices is always appreciated.
Cons:
- Cost: The premium quality of Bozzuto's properties and services can result in higher rental rates, which might not be affordable for all potential residents.
- Geographic Limitations: While Bozzuto has a strong presence in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern regions, their services may not be as widely available in other parts of the country.
Pricing
Bozzuto's pricing varies widely based on location, property type, and specific amenities offered.
Generally, rental rates for Bozzuto-managed properties are higher due to the premium quality and extensive amenities. For affordable housing projects, rents are set according to local housing authority guidelines, ensuring accessibility for low-income residents.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right property management company can make all the difference in your vacation rental experience. By focusing on experience, services, reviews, technology, and pricing, you can find a company that fits your needs and takes the hassle out of property ownership.
If you're into short-term rentals, you don't necessarily have to pay hefty fees to property managers. Try iGMS, a PMS that acts as your personal property manager or works alongside one - it's worth checking out if you want to keep more money in your pocket.
