A resident manager is someone who helps people who live in a dorm, hotel, or apartment building. Apartment management is usually associated with this job. Small apartment complexes and large apartment communities both have positions for resident managers.
A resident manager’s responsibilities vary depending on the size of the complex or community. She is usually in charge of maintaining the property and grounds, as well as collecting rent and dealing with tenant communications, in smaller communities. Residents’ issues, property upkeep, and rent collection are usually handled by separate managers in larger complexes.
The position of resident manager is typically available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When the complex has apartments available for rent, she is typically required to answer phone inquiries about vacancies, show available units to prospective tenants, and place advertisements in newspapers and online. If the community has parking restrictions, she is usually the one in charge of enforcing them.
When residents have disagreements, the resident manager is usually called in to mediate and offer solutions. Loud music or confrontations over personal issues are two common causes of discord. If the situation becomes dangerous, she may be required to contact law enforcement.
The resident manager is usually in charge of maintaining the property. She is regularly required to address complaints from tenants about malfunctioning appliances or problems with utilities such as water or electricity. If the repairs are beyond her scope of expertise, she is generally authorized to call in third-party professionals.
Rent collection is an essential part of a resident manager’s job. She is usually required to issue payment receipts and, if necessary, assess late fees. If a tenant is unable to pay her rent and refuses to leave, she is generally expected to begin eviction proceedings through the proper legal channels.
The manager is responsible for conducting final walk-throughs with departing tenants when rental units are vacated. Damages are usually noted on an exit report that is signed by both the tenant and the manager. This report determines whether or not the tenant’s security deposit will be refunded in full or in part.
The resident manager is typically expected to arrange for the apartment to be ready for occupancy before a new tenant moves in. She usually repaints the walls, has the carpets cleaned or replaced, and fixes any structural or appliance damage. If an appliance needs to be replaced, she usually informs the complex owner so that the replacement can be made.
Depending on the size of the complex and the region in which it is located, the educational requirements for this position vary significantly. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for some jobs, while a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, business, finance, or public administration is required for others. A good qualification is work experience in sales or customer service.