How to: Resident Manager 101 training

Question

I have an interview tomorrow for the position of Resident Manager. I have no experience as a Resident Manager or Leasing Agent. My related experience as president of the homeowners association for eight years is beneficial in regards to property maintenance and dealing with people, but not directly related to screening tenants and leasing units.

What do you look for in a Resident Manager? How qualified do I need to be?

Certified Apartment Manager designation? (CAM). Real Estate License? (CALBRE).

In my previous interview with another outfit, I was truthful, I wanted to own my own income property someday. They didn't like hearing that. I'll keep that dream to myself from now on...

Michael M. · Answer

You right, when I was managing the HOA, I would get interrupted all the time.

Deanna McCormick · Answer

The CAM certificate isn't that hard to get.. and don't limit your self to ON site positions,, these can be really tricky,,,, If we had to fire a manager that lived on site they had 2 weeks to move, this was in employee handbook and some didn't get the head ups up until the day they were given notice..... some places will offer a reduced rent to live on site but honestly once you've worked all day it's nice to go somewhere else where nobody will knock on your door at 2am or push the buzzer because they lost their keys, a plus is a sister property that's owned by same company you get reduced rent as employee but don't live on site where you work..

Get the CAM first then try larger companies they seem elusive but are hungry for people that want to work.. good organizers, and good sellers,, after all when you rent a apartment for 1000.00 a month that's a big ticket item, it's half a car,, and it's a USED apartment.. Try hospitality, hotels also.. And larger companies so a lot of inside training..

Michael M. · Answer

Thank you. It ws nice to hear from someone. My search within Los Angeles County reveals on site positions at minimum require real estate license, CAM certificate, and five years experience. Farther out the requirements loosen a bit and the listings are fewer. Thank you for the advice.

Deanna McCormick · Answer

Choose your battle zone, research Property Management companies in your area and check sites for postings for jobs as you did, you'll find what minimum qualification they want.. but I'd still take chance and apply they might take you as is and train... Assistant Property Manager in a large complex is nice way to get your foot in .. leasing agent positions have been a stepping stone for some property managers but bigger steps. If there are classes in your area offer by local housing association or if they have job listing good place to look into.

How qualified should you be,, all depends on the listing,, but basic knowledge of leasing, state landlord laws, is a start and the certifications all up so find out where to get the training,, the online classes are OK but what you want is actual class time.

do a search for classes in your county.

Michael M. · Answer

I believe the interview went well.  I asked feedback and one manager said that was a positive thing that I was willing to accept criticism post interview. I didn't get email feedback though as I didnt pursue the position. The manager said based on my twenty two unit experience I could handle the forty unit work load there by myself no problem.

I did take a drive through the complex, looked at the residents there and walk the property as well prior to my interview. They all had that look in their eyes... The area isn't as bad as Compton, CA, home to many gang shootings, but the area isn't safe enough to call home. The inmates look like they run the asylum there. I read a few Yelp reviews about the crime and car vandals. I think I get the picture there.

The hours were part time with a free apartment.

I was a bit torn, I wanted to get the experience, but during my interview we got interrupted three times by tenants. We finally had to end the interview as the tenants kept banging in the door.

The setup was basically the same as when I was in the HOA. A central manager who relied on vendors for repairs. They did ask if I had plumbing and electrical experience. I simply let them know I can do the easy stuff, change light bulbs, clean up trash, walk the property, accept payments, get bids, collect rents and make deposits.

What I found odd is that personal checks are not accepted there. All rent is to be paid as a money order, no online pay either.

I think I had a shot at the job, but I can sense a 40/1 chance an angry tenant would slash my tires without much hesitation as no surveillance is in place and there is no gate for the parking lot.

Closing thoughts:

This isn't my first rodeo, I am familiar with retaliation from owners who have trouble following the same rules as the entire community. I'm also familiar with tenants who care far less than owners.

A free apartment in a safer area would suit me just fine. Since I'm learning I would work for free for a few months until I got the hang of it.

Yes I want the job, but not at the cost of my safety. In time I could have safely weeded out the bad apples who may have been of a violent disposition, but I'm not sure the juice was worth the squeeze. Building rapport is my preferred style of leadership however, these people don't look the type.

I'm hoping for another opportunity elsewhere and I will offer free labor, at least in the begining, while I learn, in exchange for a free apartment.

Perhaps you have some sage advice? Should I have simply applied foe the job, regardless? If I failed, would that reflect poorly on any future developments I would apply towards? With the HOA, I'm coming off a win I earned after eight years of hard work and abuse. I have good references from my time at the HOA, I would hate to ruin my chances elsewhere. Please advise, and thank you.

Dorothy Butala · Answer

Hey Michael, I just saw this post, how did the interview go?  If you are continuing to search for leasing and resident manager jobs, let me know, and I will give you some pointers.