Menu
Managing properties can be overwhelming, particularly for private landlords who take it on themselves.
This approach focuses on converting self-managing landlords into full property management clients, addressing their common pain points and showcasing the benefits of working with a professional property manager.
In this guide, we’ll cover five key steps to help you effectively reach out to these landlords and demonstrate how to add value.
The first step to converting private landlords is knowing where to find them. Various online platforms are excellent for locating these properties that will likely be marketed directly by owners.
1. Facebook Marketplace:
Start by searching for rental listings on Facebook Marketplace. Use the location radius feature to refine your search within specific areas, allowing you to focus on nearby opportunities.
You can find both whole homes and rooms for rent, which may help you identify tenants subletting – a practice that often slips under private landlords’ radars.
2. Rental Applications:
Rental applications that pass through your agency could also be sources of leads. The business development manager (BDM) should make contact with private landlords directly.
3. Real Estate Websites:
Sites like Realestate.com.au (Australia) and Trademe.co.nz (New Zealand) often list properties managed by private owners. Additionally, a quick Google search like “Where can a private landlord advertise their property for rent?” will provide a list of local platforms, giving you more lead sources.
Tip: Use these insights to create social media posts or video content educating landlords on self-management risks, such as a lack of thorough screening that could allow ‘bad tenants’ to rent their property.
Further, advertising themselves may likely attract bad tenants who refuse to deal with property managers because they know how thorough the screening process will be, knowing that a private landlord is an easy target.
Once you’ve identified potential clients, reaching out tactfully is essential.
Start with an introductory phone call that offers help rather than a hard sell.
Sample Script
“Hi [Landlord’s Name], my name is [Your Name] from [Your Agency]. I noticed your property is currently listed for rent, and I wanted to see if I could help.
I’d be happy to give you some tips for attracting tenants and can even send over a guide with our top ten marketing tips. Would you be open to receiving some support?”
Pain Point Awareness
Remember that many private landlords experience challenges like vacancies, tenant issues, and property upkeep.
By addressing these, you establish yourself as a knowledgeable, supportive resource they can rely on.
After connecting with a landlord, back up your offer with practical resources to help them market and manage their property better.
This approach gives private landlords a glimpse into the level of support they’d receive under professional management.
Helpful Resources to Send:
• Guides: For example, “TEN Ways to Market Your Property” or “How to Reduce the Stress of Self-Managing a Property.”
• Videos and Articles: Share links to educational videos or articles on topics like effective tenant screening or compliance with property regulations.
• Templates and Checklists: Providing checklists for inspections or move-ins gives landlords an insight into the detail-oriented nature of professional management.
This value-packed follow-up establishes credibility and showcases your agency’s capabilities without overwhelming them.
Not all landlords will immediately jump to full property management, but a ‘lease-only’ service provides a middle ground. Here’s how to approach it:
If interested, offer a lease-only service for a higher-than-standard let fee.
For example, consider charging double for a lease-only service. This service can include:
• Tenant Screening and Lease Signing
• Ingoing Condition Reports
• Insurance and Compliance Checks (e.g., smoke alarms)
This ‘lease-only’ arrangement introduces landlords to professional property management while allowing them to maintain some involvement.
The follow-up phase is crucial in converting landlords. If they initially seem uninterested or stop responding, remain persistent. Send a friendly video message or email sharing additional tips. For example:
“Hi [Landlord’s Name], I noticed your property is still on the market. Don’t forget the essentials like smoke alarm checks and securing the property. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help.”
Highlight Consequences of Non-Compliance
At this stage, you may also want to share a list of potential penalties for non-compliance with legislation, especially as property laws grow stricter in markets like Australia and New Zealand.
Many landlords don’t fully realise the complexity of legal requirements, and this can prompt them to consider professional management.
Converting private landlords into full property management clients can be challenging, but by following these steps, property managers can position themselves as trusted experts.
By educating landlords on the benefits and removing the obstacles they face in self-management, you build a strong case for your services.
Would you like to add coaching and accountability to get better results?
If you’d like more hands-on support with this strategy, consider exploring resources like LeadMachineSystem.com or booking a session with Deniz Yusuf at LeadMachineChat.com.
The more you put into place, the better results you’ll see in winning over private landlords.
The complete PM HANDBOOK on how to WIN THE BEST FEES with new clients and INCREASE YOUR FEES with your current clients without losing them to cheaper agents
Access 50 (plus) fee objection responses.
[UNLOCKED] How to WIN the deal and your FULL FEES with CONFIDENCE...no matter how low your rivals discount or reduce their fees.
Every PM fee objection you'll ever face has an effective response! You'll find it...in this book!
The kick-butt time management handbook for crazy busy property managers who want to beat burn-out, reduce stress, take control and get their life back!
[UNLOCKED] PROVEN Strategies, Hacks and Techniques.
Revealed...secrets to 40+ effective ways to generate hot leads to grow your rent roll without relying on salespeople.
BDM skills and techniques that will take you to 20-30 properties a month.
Rent Roll Growth Strategies...ready to go!
How to win the best property management fees in the marketing with confidence, no matter how cheap your rivals discount or reduce their fees.