I am not sure if it is the same in US...or different for each state....especially TX..but what is the general fee for managing properties......what percent of the rent....or does it vary widely....negotible like anything else in RE

As much as you can get ! I have seen competitive pressures drive that fee down to as little as 6% of gross rents, and also get as high as 18% when there is no competition. But when there is no rent, there is no income.

I knew one woman "Kathy" who took 15% and she managed about 75 or 80 units for others . . . . plus about 25 of her own. She was a real treasure. She kept no deadbeat tenants. Kathy kept abreast of what rent economics were doing; and she knew the law and always kept her ear to the ground. Kathy knew who just got evicted down the street; who just got a restraining order; and who just got released from prison. She could also spot a person with a false identity right off, and see through a phony reference.

Kathy didn't take any B.S. from anyone; and she kept her vacancy rate down to almost zero. Good tenants appreciated being in a place with good management. Bad tenants were afraid of her. Now that I think of it, Kathy was pretty skilled as a diplomat in resolving those squabbles that arise between and among tenants in the same building. Mediating a dispute before the police have to be called in benefits everyone; but most Managers will not get involved.

Kathy was willing to get her hands dirty, and could pound a nail; sweat a joint; and also collect back rent "on Pay Day" with ease. She was a bit of a "Bruiser"; but a nice bruiser. If she couldn't fix something herself, she could charm electricians and plumbers (or a Cop) into getting up and doing an emergency "fix" in the middle of the night, when necessary . . . . and these guys loved being responsive when she called. She paid them well for what they did, and paid them quick; but no more.

But Kathy got "burned out" and doesn't do that work for others anymore. If Kathy was doing the management, you were getting a really good "problem free" deal for your 15%. Some Landlords didn't know how good a deal it was until they had got some clown to replace her. All management is not the same . . . . and yes, it's subject to negotiation.

I couldn't/wouldn't work that hard. I'd be shot.

WOW..that is great info Vermont..thanks....anyone else have anything to add...althoug that was spectacular......

Here in the Twin Cities you can expect to pay 8% to 10% of the gross rent.

To answer your question, it is completely negotiable. However, when you are asking around, most companies that know what they are doing will have an established rate and probably won't vary much from it.

On the contrary, you may find someone young and aggressive looking to make a name for himself- just make sure you ask them all of the questions you have.

There are a lot of companies out there, that charge a flat rate and do NOT do what they say they will. In short, it's like every other business and your best bet is to ask for a referral.