Home shield or use property managements maintenance?

[Chris Igard]

This is our first rental property and we are going to go with a property management place. They ask for a $200 retainer for minor repairs and anything larger then that they’ll ask permission prior to fixing it. That amount will come out of the rent. I’m wondering if it’s better to use home shield instead with a small monthly fee and pay the service fee. I’d like to use both with the small stuff being done by the property manager and the larger issues being completed by home shield. We have new appliances but an old hvac, old ac unit, and old water heater. I’m just concerned of getting hit with a 1500 dollar charge to repair on of those items. If anyone could share what they’ve done or some advice I’d appreciate, thanks.