If you own a rental property in Calgary, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Should I manage this myself or hire a property manager?”

At first glance, managing your own property may seem like a good way to save money. But the true costs—both financial and personal—can add up quickly. This post breaks down the real value of hiring a property management Calgary company, using local insights and practical comparisons.

What Does a Property Manager Actually Do?

In Calgary, a licensed property manager typically handles:

Advertising your rental
Screening tenants (credit checks, references, income verification)
Drafting legally compliant lease agreements
Collecting rent and handling arrears
Managing repairs and maintenance
Enforcing lease terms
Dealing with evictions, if necessary
Staying compliant with Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act

They also handle 24/7 emergency issues—so you don’t have to.

The Cost of Hiring a Property Manager in Calgary

Most property management companies in Calgary charge:

8–12% of monthly rent as a management fee
A leasing fee (typically 50–100% of one month’s rent) when filling a vacancy
Some charge extra for maintenance coordination or inspections

For a $2,000/month property, this works out to $160–$240/month.

**What Self-Management Really Costs**

Here’s what many landlords don’t account for:

1. Time

Managing a property yourself means fielding late-night calls, chasing rent, showing units, and handling paperwork. On average, landlords spend 8–10 hours per month per unit.

2. Vacancy Loss

Experienced property managers reduce vacancy time by pricing units correctly, marketing fast, and screening applicants efficiently. Even one extra vacant month per year can cost you more than an entire year of management fees.

3. Legal Risks

If you mishandle a lease, eviction, or damage deposit, you can end up in dispute resolution or court. A property manager knows how to stay compliant with Alberta law.

4. Maintenance Overspending

Without a network of trusted vendors, landlords often overpay for repairs. Property managers typically get preferred rates from plumbers, electricians, cleaners, and other trades.

When Hiring a Property Manager in Calgary Makes Sense

You’ll likely benefit from professional help if:

You own multiple properties
You live outside Calgary
You have limited time or availability
You’ve struggled with bad tenants or high turnover
You want to increase passive income and reduce stress

When It Might Not Be Worth It

If you:

Own a single unit
Live in the same building
Have reliable, long-term tenants
Are experienced with rental laws and maintenance

…you might be able to manage it yourself—just know that it comes with effort and risk.

Final Thoughts

In Calgary’s competitive and regulated rental market, a good property manager can pay for themselves by:

Filling units faster
Avoiding costly mistakes
Reducing legal risk
Saving you time

If you value peace of mind and want your rental to truly be a passive investment, working with a property management company in Calgary is usually well worth the cost.

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