Apartments.com vs. Hiring a Property Manager
Anthony A. Luna • March 22, 2025
Which Is Better for Rental Property Owners?
If you're a rental property owner, you’ve likely considered listing your property on Apartments.com or hiring a property management company to handle everything for you. But which option is truly the best for your investment?
While Apartments.com offers a popular DIY approach to listing your rental, a property manager provides a full-service solution that can maximize your profits and minimize your stress. In this guide, we’ll compare both options, weighing the pros and cons to help you decide the best approach for managing your rental property.
What Is Apartments.com?
Apartments.com is one of the largest online rental listing platforms, attracting millions of renters each month. It allows landlords to:
- Create a property listing with photos, descriptions, and pricing.
- Screen tenants through background and credit checks.
- Collect rent payments via the platform.
- Communicate with tenants and manage inquiries.
For landlords who prefer a hands-on approach, Apartments.com can be a useful tool for marketing their rental property. However, there are limitations that can make it challenging for landlords who want to scale their business or avoid time-consuming responsibilities.
What Does a Property Manager Do?
A property management company takes care of all aspects of rental property management, including:
- Marketing and listing properties on multiple platforms (including Apartments.com).
- Tenant screening with in-depth background checks.
- Rent collection and enforcement to ensure on-time payments.
- Property maintenance and repairs with vetted vendors.
- Legal compliance with fair housing laws and lease enforcement.
- Handling tenant issues so you don’t have to deal with complaints or evictions.
A property manager essentially turns your rental into a passive income stream, handling everything so you can focus on growing your portfolio.
Apartments.com vs. Hiring a Property Manager
| Feature | Apartments.com | Property Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Listing Exposure | High, but only one site | Multi-platform syndication |
| Tenant Screening | Basic credit/background checks | Thorough screening process |
| Rent Collection | Online payments only | Full enforcement & eviction handling |
| Property Maintenance | Landlord responsible | 24/7 emergency maintenance |
| Legal Compliance | Landlord responsibility | Expert guidance & risk mitigation |
| Time Commitment | High – DIY approach | Low – Fully managed service |
| Overall Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront, but better ROI |
Pros and Cons of Apartments.com vs. Hiring a Property Manager
Pros of Apartments.com
- Affordable listing solution for DIY landlords.
- Direct control over tenant selection and leasing.
- No long-term commitment to property management fees.
Cons of Apartments.com
- Limited to a single platform for marketing.
- Time-intensive tenant screening and communication.
- Landlords handle maintenance, legal issues, and rent enforcement.
Pros of Hiring a Property Manager
- Full-service management with passive income potential.
- Maximized rental exposure and expert tenant screening.
- 24/7 maintenance handling and legal compliance.
Cons of Hiring a Property Manager
- Higher upfront cost (but better long-term ROI).
- Less direct control over tenant selection (but professionals handle it for you).
Which Option Is Best for You?
- If you own one rental unit and prefer hands-on management, Apartments.com might be a good fit—if you have the time to handle tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance.
- If you own multiple rental units or want a hands-off investment, hiring a property management company is the smarter long-term choice.
While Apartments.com is useful for listing rentals, it doesn’t replace the expertise and hands-free benefits of a property manager.
Why Property Management Wins
Even though Apartments.com offers a DIY listing approach, it still requires landlords to be hands-on with screening, maintenance, and legal compliance. On the other hand, a property manager handles everything, ensuring that your property remains profitable and stress-free.
At Coastline Equity, we take care of every aspect of property management—from marketing your rental to handling tenant issues—so you can maximize your rental income without the hassle.
Want to learn more? Contact us today for a free consultation.
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Learn MoreAs a contributing author for Forbes, Anthony A. Luna brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge in the property management industry, real estate sector, and entrepreneurship, providing insights and thought-provoking analysis on a range of topics including property management, industry innovation, and leadership.
Anthony has established himself as a leading voice in the business community. Through his contributions to Forbes, Anthony is set to publish his first book, "Property Management Excellence" in April 2025 with Forbes Books.
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News & Updates
Setting the right rent isn’t just about earning income — it’s about finding the balance between maximizing cash flow and keeping your property consistently occupied. So, what exactly is fair rent for your property? Whether you're renting out a single-family home, an apartment, or a unit in a multi-family building, finding a fair rental price starts with a thoughtful look at your property, your market, and what today’s renters are willing to pay. Start with Comparable Rentals The best way to find a fair rent is to research comparable rentals in your area. Look for listings similar in: Square footage Number of bedrooms and bathrooms Neighborhood Condition and amenities Platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, or Rent.com are a great place to browse rental listings and compare active prices. If you’re seeing similar units listed at a higher rate than yours — and they're still on the market weeks later — that could be a sign they’re overpriced. Units that rent fast tell you what renters are actually willing to pay. Real Example: Pricing a 2-Bedroom in Long Beach Let’s say you own a 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in Long Beach with around 900 square feet. You check listings and find similar properties renting for $2,300 to $2,500. Zillow shows a rent zestimate of $2,400 — a decent starting point, but not the full picture. After looking at how long listings have stayed active and talking to a local property manager , you find out that well-maintained units with in-unit laundry and parking are consistently getting rented at $2,350. You price your unit accordingly, giving yourself a competitive edge while still earning market value. Avoid Relying on Algorithms Alone Automated pricing tools like the rent zestimate are useful for a ballpark figure, but they often miss local demand shifts, recent upgrades, or what renters truly value in your neighborhood. Use them as one data point — not your final decision-maker. Other Factors That Influence Fair Rent Your final rent amount should reflect more than just comps. Consider: The property’s condition: Have you renovated or upgraded appliances recently? Extras included: Are you covering any utilities? Is there secure parking or outdoor space? Seasonality: Rental demand can vary throughout the year. Your goals: Are you focused on fast occupancy or maximizing revenue? Professional support: A trusted rental manager or property manager can offer current insights based on tenant activity, vacancy rates, and pricing trends. How Property Managers Help You Set the Right Price If you're unsure what to charge, a local property manager can evaluate your unit, compare it to others in your area, and recommend a pricing strategy that balances demand and return. They also help adjust your price over time as rental rates shift, and they’ll guide you in attracting and retaining quality tenants who value both the price and the property. Final Thoughts So, what is fair rent for your property? It’s the price that matches what your unit offers, reflects the current market, and appeals to qualified renters. It’s not necessarily the highest number possible — it’s the one that helps you rent quickly, reduce turnover, and maintain steady income. With a little research, a realistic view of your property’s features, and guidance from local experts, you’ll be well-positioned to price your rental right — and keep it occupied with great tenants.
One of the most delicate parts of owning a rental property is figuring out how to increase the rent without driving away good tenants. While you want to stay competitive with market rates , it’s equally important to maintain stable occupancy and avoid costly turnovers. The good news? With the right strategy and timing, raising rent doesn’t have to come at the cost of your tenant relationships. 1. Know Your Local Market Rates Before you decide to raise the rent , research similar properties in your area to understand current rent prices . If you're significantly below market value, a reasonable increase is often accepted — especially by tenants who like where they live. Even if you're close to market rate, a small adjustment can still make sense if you’re offering added value like upgraded amenities, responsive maintenance, or flexible lease terms. 2. Time It Around Lease Renewals The best time to increase the rental rate is when a tenant is renewing the lease . This gives them the chance to consider the new rate and evaluate their options — all while avoiding the hassle and cost of moving. Be sure to send a formal rent increase notice with enough lead time, typically 30 to 60 days in advance, depending on local regulations. 3. Communicate the “Why” Clearly When increasing rent, communication is everything. Let your tenants know the reasons behind the increase: Rising property taxes or insurance Increases in maintenance or utility costs Alignment with market rates Planned improvements to the unit or building Even if they don’t love the change, most tenants are more receptive when they feel respected and informed. 4. Offer Options and Flexibility If you’re working with long-term tenants you’d like to keep, consider offering choices to soften the increase: Extend the lease at the current rate for a few more months Offer a discounted rate for early renewal Split the increase over two payments instead of one lump sum This approach shows that you're not just looking to raise the rent , but to build a fair and lasting relationship. 5. Lean on Your Property Manager (If You Have One) Experienced property managers can provide insight into local rent prices , craft professional communications, and help navigate lease renewals in a way that keeps tenants happy while protecting your bottom line. They can also deliver rent increase notices and handle pushback more objectively. If you manage your property on your own, consider consulting a manager or local expert before finalizing your approach. Final Thoughts Increasing the rental rate is a normal part of owning a rental property , but it should always be done with care and intention. When you base your decisions on market research, communicate transparently, and give tenants room to respond, you’re more likely to keep good renters in place — even at a higher price point. Want help reviewing your current lease structure or market position before you raise the rent? We’re here to support you.
Finding the right tenant is one of the most important things you’ll do as a property owner. The right renter can mean steady income, fewer problems, and long-term stability — while the wrong one can lead to missed rent, damage, or legal headaches. So how do you actually find great tenants for your rental property? Here's a clear, step-by-step approach that works — whether you're a new landlord or a seasoned investor. 1. Write a Clear, Honest Rental Listing Start by crafting a listing that highlights what makes your property attractive, but also sets clear expectations. Good property descriptions should include: Rental price and lease length Number of bedrooms and bathrooms Location and amenities Any restrictions (pets, smoking, etc.) Post your listing on multiple rental listing sites — but don’t underestimate the power of rent signs in front of the property, especially if it's in a high-traffic area. 2. Market Where Your Ideal Tenants Are To reach more prospective tenants , take your marketing beyond listing sites. Post your property on social media , community groups, and even local forums. Word of mouth can also be powerful — let friends, colleagues, and neighbors know the unit is available. Make sure your contact information is easy to find and consistent across platforms. You want prospective renters to reach you quickly when interest is high. 3. Use a Standard Rental Application When potential tenants reach out, have a standard rental application ready to go. This not only helps you stay organized, but ensures you’re collecting all the info you’ll need for the next step — tenant screenings . A good application should request: Full name and contact details Employment and income information References and previous landlord contacts Authorization for a background check and credit score pull 4. Screen Tenants Thoroughly (and Legally) One of the most critical steps in finding good tenants is how you screen tenants . Don’t skip this part — it’s where most rental issues can be avoided. Effective tenant screenings usually include: Background check (criminal history, eviction records) Credit score and payment history Verification of employment and income Reference checks with their previous landlord Always follow housing laws when screening applicants. Be consistent, fair, and avoid any language or decisions that could be considered discriminatory under the Fair Housing Act. 5. Collect a Security Deposit and Finalize the Lease Once you’ve found a great tenant , collect a security deposit (within the limits set by your state), and have both parties sign a clear, legally binding lease agreement . Your lease should detail rent amounts, due dates, responsibilities, and procedures for repairs or disputes. If you're not sure how to draft one, consult with a landlord or property manager familiar with local rental laws. Final Thoughts Finding the right tenant takes more than just putting up a listing — it takes a clear strategy, legal awareness, and the ability to evaluate prospective tenants fairly and confidently. The effort you put in now saves time, money, and stress later. If you're unsure or simply want to ensure a smooth process, working with a professional property management company can make tenant placement and lease compliance much easier.
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