As a Kenyan real estate investor, you want to ensure that your investments remain profitable and yield the maximum possible returns. However, the challenges of property management can often prove to be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. From the responsibilities and time-consuming tasks to the need for broad knowledge of the industry, property management is not for the faint of heart.

But fear not, for in this article, we will have a look at the top challenges of property management and provide actionable insights on how to overcome them.

1.   Controlling Operating Costs.

Operating costs refer to the expenses incurred in the day-to-day operations of a property. These costs can include utilities, insurance, taxes, repairs, and maintenance. As a property manager in Kenya, one of the biggest challenges is controlling these costs to ensure maximum profitability.

To overcome this challenge, you need to conduct regular cost-benefit analyses, negotiate better deals with suppliers, implement energy-saving measures, and regularly review and adjust your budget.

2.   Hiring and Maintaining Quality Staff.

Property management requires a team of skilled and dedicated professionals to ensure the smooth running of a property. Hiring and retaining quality staff can be challenging in Kenya, given the high demand for skilled workers in the real estate industry.

To overcome this challenge, you should offer competitive salaries and benefits, provide ongoing training and development opportunities, and create a positive work environment that promotes job satisfaction and career growth.

3.   Growing Revenue.

Growing revenue is essential for the success of any property management business. As a property manager in Kenya, you need to identify new revenue streams, improve occupancy rates, and implement effective marketing strategies to attract new tenants.

To overcome this challenge, you should continuously evaluate and refine your pricing strategies, offer incentives to tenants, and stay ahead of the competition by investing in innovative technologies and services.

4.   Time Management.

Property management requires a significant investment of time, and managing it effectively can be a challenge.

To overcome this challenge, you need to prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, and implement efficient systems and processes to streamline operations. Additionally, you should invest in technology, such as property management software, to automate routine tasks and free up time for more strategic activities.

5.   Property Damage and Unexpected Maintenance Costs.

Property damage and unexpected maintenance costs can have a significant impact on the bottom line of a property management business.

To overcome this challenge, you need to implement a comprehensive maintenance program, conduct regular inspections and assessments, and have contingency plans in place for unexpected events. Additionally, you should establish clear protocols for reporting and resolving property damage and maintenance issues, and ensure that your insurance coverage is adequate to cover any potential losses.

6.   Tenant Screening.

Tenant screening is an essential aspect of property management in Kenya, as it helps to ensure that only trustworthy and responsible tenants occupy your properties. However, the process of tenant screening can be time-consuming and challenging, particularly in terms of verifying the accuracy of the information provided.

To overcome this challenge, you should use a tenant screening service, conduct reference and background checks, and establish clear screening criteria and processes.

7.   Finding and Keeping Tenants.

Finding and retaining quality tenants is a critical challenge for property managers in Kenya. A high vacancy rate can significantly impact the bottom line of your business, while a high turnover rate can increase maintenance and marketing costs.

To overcome this challenge, you should implement effective marketing and advertising strategies, offer incentives to tenants, and create a positive and welcoming environment for prospective and existing tenants.

8.   Hiring and Maintaining Quality Staff.

Hiring and retaining a dedicated and skilled team of employees is essential for the success of any property management business. In Kenya, the demand for skilled workers in the real estate industry is high, making it a challenge to find and retain quality staff.

To overcome this challenge, you should offer competitive salaries and benefits, provide ongoing training and development opportunities, and create a positive and supportive work environment.

9.   Managing Tenant Complaints.

Tenant complaints are a common challenge in property management, and they can range from minor issues like a leaky faucet to more significant concerns like security and maintenance problems.

To overcome this challenge, you should have clear protocols in place for responding to tenant complaints, establish open lines of communication with tenants, and take a proactive approach to resolving issues before they escalate.

10.                Accounting Tasks.

Accounting is a critical aspect of property management in Kenya, as it is necessary for tracking expenses, monitoring cash flow, and preparing financial statements. However, accounting can be a challenging and time-consuming task, particularly for those with limited knowledge and experience.

To overcome this challenge, you should invest in property management software, outsource accounting tasks to a professional, or take a course in property management accounting.

11.                Government Regulations.

Property management in Kenya is governed by a complex set of rules and regulations, and failure to comply with these regulations can result in penalties and legal liabilities.

To overcome this challenge, you should stay informed about the latest regulations, seek the advice of a qualified legal professional, and establish clear policies and procedures for compliance. Additionally, you should regularly review and update your compliance protocols to ensure that your property management business remains compliant with all relevant laws and regulations.

12.                Communication to Staff/Tenants.

Effective communication is crucial in property management, as it helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals. In Kenya, the challenge of communication is compounded by the diversity of the workforce and the various communication channels that need to be used.

To overcome this challenge, you should establish clear communication protocols, provide ongoing training to staff on how to communicate effectively, and use property management software to streamline communication between staff and tenants.

13.                Inspection.

Regular inspections are an essential aspect of property management in Kenya, as they help to identify and resolve issues before they become more significant problems. However, conducting inspections can be a challenging task, particularly when it comes to coordinating with tenants and accessing properties.

To overcome this challenge, you should establish clear inspection protocols, invest in property management software that streamlines the inspection process, and conduct inspections in a professional and respectful manner.

14.                Marketing.

Marketing is a critical aspect of property management in Kenya, as it helps to attract new tenants, retain existing tenants, and increase revenue. However, the real estate market is highly competitive, and it can be a challenge to stand out from the crowd. To overcome this challenge, you should establish a clear marketing strategy, invest in property management software that streamlines the marketing process, and take advantage of digital marketing channels like social media, email marketing, and online advertising.

15.                Difficult Owners.

Dealing with difficult owners is a common challenge in property management, as owners may have different ideas about how properties should be managed or may become dissatisfied with the level of service provided.

To overcome this challenge, you should establish clear communication protocols with owners, maintain a professional and respectful demeanor, and be transparent and honest in your dealings with owners.

16.                Payment Issues.

Payment issues are a common challenge in property management in Kenya, as tenants may miss rent payments, dispute charges, or delay payment.

To overcome this challenge, you should establish clear payment protocols, use property management software that streamlines the payment process, and work with tenants to resolve payment issues in a fair and respectful manner.

17.                Posting Eviction Notices.

Posting eviction notices can be a challenging task in property management, as it requires a deep understanding of the legal process and the various rules and regulations that apply. In Kenya, the legal process for eviction can be lengthy and complicated, making it important to seek the advice of a qualified legal professional.

To overcome this challenge, you should establish clear protocols for posting eviction notices, be transparent and honest with tenants, and work with a qualified legal professional to ensure that evictions are carried out in a fair and lawful manner.

Conclusion

Property management in Kenya can be a challenging task, the key to successful property management is to stay informed, be proactive, and approach each challenge with a problem-solving attitude as advised above. With these skills and a commitment to excellence, investors can ensure that their properties continue to produce maximum returns and remain profitable for years to come.

If you’re an experienced property investor or manager in Kenya, we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with our readers. Have we missed any important challenges in this article? Let us know in the comments section below. Additionally, if you have any questions or insights you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.