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As a landlord, you’re not just handing over a set of keys you’re handing over a significant asset and trusting someone to protect its value, manage its day-to-day operations and represent you professionally. But not all property management is created equal.
At Homeward, we often meet landlords who come to us after a disappointing experience elsewhere. And while every situation is different, the signs of a poorly managed investment are surprisingly consistent.
Here are 5 red flags you should never ignore and what they could be costing you.
1. Poor or Inconsistent Communication
You should never be left wondering what’s happening with your property. If you're chasing updates, waiting days for a reply or only hearing from your property manager when something goes wrong then that’s a problem.
The cost:
Lack of proactive communication leads to missed opportunities, unresolved issues, unhappy tenants and increased vacancy rates. It also creates unnecessary stress for you as an owner.
At Homeward, communication is the cornerstone of everything we do. We keep our landlords informed before they need to ask and tenants know they’re being heard. It’s how trust is built and maintained.
2. Reactive Management
If your property manager is constantly putting out fires rather than preventing them, chances are you're dealing with reactive management. Are routine inspections being missed? Are you only hearing about maintenance issues once a tenant complains?
The cost:
Deferred maintenance becomes expensive repairs. Missed inspections allow small issues to escalate. Reactive managers cost you money and damage tenant relationships.
We believe in proactive, concierge-style care with scheduled maintenance, timely follow-ups, and detailed inspection reports that give you peace of mind.
3. High Staff Turnover
If you’ve had three different managers in a year and no one seems to know your property’s history, that's a major red flag. High staff turnover often points to internal issues at the agency and it always impacts service consistency.
The cost:
Lack of continuity leads to oversights, frustrated tenants and landlords who feel like they’re starting from scratch every few months.
At Homeward, you deal with one point of contact, no call centres, no confusion. Just personal, consistent service.
4. Hidden Fees and Vague Agreements
Ever noticed small charges popping up on your statements you didn’t approve? Or realised too late that routine items like advertising, lease renewals or admin fees weren’t clearly disclosed?
The cost:
Hidden fees eat into your returns and make it hard to trust the agency managing your investment.
Our agreements are transparent, straightforward and upfront. No fine print surprises just fair fees that reflect the service you receive.
5. Low-Quality Tenants and High Turnover
If your property is frequently vacant or attracting unreliable tenants, something’s off. Good property management starts with curated tenant selection, strong marketing and clear onboarding.
The cost:
High turnover means lost rent, wear and tear, and constant re-leasing fees.
We take pride in finding the right fit not just filling a vacancy. Our tenant screening process is thorough, respectful, and designed to protect your investment long-term.
Final Thought
Property management should make your life easier and not more stressful. If any of the red flags above sound familiar, it might be time for a change.
At Homeward, we offer a more personal, attentive alternative one built from the perspective of someone who’s been on both sides of the industry.
As a landlord, investor and former renter, I created Homeward to deliver the kind of care and consistency I always wanted, but rarely found.
Ready to experience the Homeward difference? We’d love to hear your story and see how we can help.
