Why Japanese Property Owners Use Property Management Companies: Cost and Convenience

Cost-Effectiveness and Ease of Managing Viewings

For property owners in Japan, managing rental properties can be a time-consuming and demanding task. Whether you own multiple properties or have a busy schedule, handling all aspects of property management by yourself can become overwhelming. This is why many property owners choose to hire property management companies. Two key reasons behind this decision are cost-effectiveness and the convenience of managing property viewings. In this article, we’ll explore these two points and explain why relying on a property management company is a smart move.

1. Cost-Effectiveness

Repair work in progress
Efficient repair work managed by professionals

Property management companies typically charge a fee of around 5-10% of the rental income. While this may seem like an additional expense, the convenience and efficiency provided by a property management company often make the fee well worth it. Here’s why the cost-effectiveness of using a property management company stands out:

Reducing Workload and Optimizing Costs

Managing a property involves a variety of tasks, including tenant communication, coordinating repairs, collecting rent, and addressing complaints. A property management company can take care of all these tasks and more:

  • Efficient maintenance and repairs: When issues arise with the property, such as plumbing problems or appliance failures, the management company already has a network of trusted contractors to handle repairs quickly and cost-effectively. This means property owners save both time and effort without the stress of finding and coordinating with repair services.
  • Handling tenant disputes: Tenant complaints, especially those that come at inconvenient times, can disrupt your day-to-day life. Property management companies have teams ready to handle these issues promptly, ensuring tenant satisfaction while freeing the owner from having to deal with the problems directly.

By outsourcing these responsibilities to a professional team, property owners can avoid common issues and maintain a stable income stream with less risk of vacancy or tenant dissatisfaction.

2. Convenience of Managing Viewings


Professionals handling property viewings for prospective tenants

One of the most crucial aspects of renting out a property is managing property viewings. Showing potential tenants around a property is a key step toward securing rental agreements, but it can also be time-consuming for the owner. This is where the convenience of using a property management company really shines.

Professional Handling of Viewings

Property management companies have trained staff who can manage the entire viewing process from start to finish. They can show the property’s best features and answer questions from prospective tenants, making sure the property is presented in its best light. This professional handling often leads to higher chances of securing tenants quickly.

Flexible Scheduling and Coordination

Arranging viewing appointments and managing keys is another task that can take up significant time, especially if multiple prospective tenants want to view the property at different times. A property management company handles all these logistics, saving the owner valuable time. They also take care of any last-minute changes or cancellations, ensuring that everything runs smoothly without any inconvenience to the owner.

In addition, many property management companies now offer online and video viewings, which allow prospective tenants to view properties remotely. This has become increasingly popular and allows the owner to reach a broader audience, even those who cannot visit the property in person.


Conclusion

For Japanese property owners, hiring a property management company offers several key advantages, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness and convenience. By entrusting property management tasks to professionals, owners can save time, reduce stress, and ensure that their properties are well-maintained and efficiently rented out.

The cost-effectiveness comes from reducing the burden of day-to-day management tasks, such as maintenance and repairs, while ensuring tenant satisfaction through prompt service. Meanwhile, the convenience of professional viewings and scheduling frees owners from the complexities of coordinating with potential tenants, helping to secure rental agreements more smoothly.

Ultimately, these benefits make property management companies an invaluable partner for property owners seeking to maximize their rental income with minimal hassle.