2 Duplexes (4 Units) - How much maintenance / work expected?

[Jeff Howard]

Considering getting 2 duplexes and planning to self manage... was wondering what is the typical amount of work (answering phone calls for maintenance, other issues) that I would have per month. Maybe this is a better "per unit" question.  How much monthly involvement is there per unit typically?

Are we talking 1 call every couple of months, per unit?  I know this is a big "it depends" question, but I am sure there is a good ratio number that folks that have been doing this for a while on a lot of property would know.

Thanks

[Brandon Turner]

Hey Jeff- good question. Of course as you said, it does depend on a lot of factors. But let me just give you my opinion.

To get a unit rented out, will likely take 4 to 6 hours, from advertising to screening to showing units to signing the lease.

Once rented, Depending on the condition, you likely won't have more than one or two calls a month total- if you put The right people in. Some tenants call and complain all the time, others will leave you alone no matter what happens. Getting good tenants in a good unit ... That's the key to not working much.

Overall, I would guess you are looking at an average of seven hours per month to manage those four units. Over time that should drop significantly - maybe down to 1-3 hours when nothing is vacant.