Self-Managing vs. Hiring a Property Manager: What’s the Smarter Choice in 2025?

Save time, reduce stress, and boost ROI—without paying 10% to a traditional property manager.

If you own a rental property, you’ve probably faced the big question:

Should I self-manage or hire a property manager?

At first glance, hiring a manager sounds like a time-saving move.
But dig deeper, and you’ll find that modern tools have changed the game—giving landlords more power, control, and efficiency than ever before.

In 2025, smart landlords are learning that you don’t need to give up 8–12% of your rental income to get professional-level property management.
You just need a better system.

In this blog, we’ll break down:
✅ Pros and cons of both approaches
✅ Real cost comparisons
✅ Why many landlords are ditching traditional managers
✅ How platforms like Nextpad Homes make self-management easier than ever

First, Define What You Really Want

Most landlords want:

• Steady rent collection

• Happy, long-term tenants

• Fast, reliable maintenance

• Legal compliance

• As little stress as possible

What you don’t want is:

• Missed income

• Poor communication

• Hidden fees

• Feeling like you're out of the loop

So let’s compare.

Self-Management vs. Property Manager: Key Differences

Real Cost Comparison: It Adds Up Fast

Let’s say your rent is $2,000/month.

With Property ManagerSelf-Managing with NextpadManagement Fee (10%)$200/month$0/monthAnnual Cost$2,400$0–$300 (for tools, if any)Extra FeesLease-up, renewal, markup on repairsNone or flat-rate if using softwareYour ROIReducedMaximized

Over 5 years, that’s $10,000+ saved—money you can reinvest, save, or use for upgrades that boost rent.

✅ Nextpad Homes gives you the tools to self-manage at scale—without giving up your income.

What Self-Managing Looks Like in 2025 (It’s Not What It Used to Be)

Thanks to platforms like Nextpad Homes, managing your own rental has never been simpler.

Here’s what modern self-management includes:

✅ Rent Collection on Autopilot

• Tenants pay online

• You get automatic deposits

• Late fees apply themselves

• Full payment history is logged

✅ Lease Management Without the Paperwork

• State-specific digital lease templates

• E-signatures

• Auto reminders for renewals

✅ Smart Maintenance Workflows

• Tenants submit requests via portal

• Attach photos/videos

• You assign vendors and track progress

✅ Built-In Tenant Screening

• Background, credit, income, and reference checks

• Scorecard review with zero paperwork

• Faster decisions, better tenants

✅ Communication That’s Logged and Centralized

• No more texts or emails getting lost

• All messages stored with time stamps

• Easy recordkeeping in case of disputes

When Hiring a Property Manager Might Still Make Sense

Let’s be fair—there are situations where hiring a manager is the better choice:

• You own out-of-state properties

• You have no interest or time to engage

• You’re managing 20+ units and need full-time support

• You travel frequently or live abroad

But for most landlords with 1–10 units, especially in today’s tech-savvy world?

Self-management is not only possible—it’s more profitable.

The Bottom Line: You Don’t Need to Outsource—You Need a System

Being a landlord doesn’t have to be stressful.
You don’t have to give up income or control to keep your properties running smoothly.

With a system like Nextpad Homes, you can:

• Automate rent, maintenance, and leases

• Stay legally compliant and organized

• Deliver a professional tenant experience

• Save thousands annually by managing smarter

👉 Ready to self-manage without the stress?

Use Nextpad Homes to run your rentals like a business—without the property management markup.