Most rental property owners in Tyler eventually ask the same question:
Should I keep managing this myself or hire a professional to take over?
Managing a property on your own may seem simple at first.
But between repairs, tenants, rent collection, and legal issues — it becomes a full-time job fast.
Hiring a property manager means less stress, but it does come at a cost.
This article will break down the pros and cons of both options, show what it actually costs to hire help, and help you decide what’s best for your rental in Tyler, Texas.
What Self-Managing a Rental in Tyler Actually Involves
When you manage a rental yourself, you're responsible for everything. That includes screening tenants, collecting rent, scheduling maintenance, handling late payments, and responding to emergencies. You’ll also need to deal with legal issues, write leases, and understand Texas rental laws.
Managing a property sounds simple at first, but the tasks stack up fast. And when problems come up — like a tenant refusing to pay or a burst pipe in the middle of the night — you're the one who has to fix it.
Why Some Landlords Choose to Self-Manage
Some landlords prefer doing it all themselves. They like having control, making every decision, and keeping more of the rent. They may enjoy getting to know their tenants or saving on management fees.
This setup can work well if you live nearby, have the time, and know the laws. But even experienced owners can get overwhelmed, especially when juggling repairs, vacancies, or difficult tenants.
The Drawbacks of Self-Managing in Tyler, TX
Self-managing can be stressful. First, it’s a big time commitment. Dealing with repairs, paperwork, and tenant calls eats into your day.
There’s also a legal risk. Mistakes with evictions, lease violations, or fair housing laws can lead to expensive problems.
Many self-managing landlords also struggle with pricing. Guessing the rent amount can leave money on the table. And without professional marketing, vacancies may take longer to fill.
Managing one property might seem easy. But over time, it wears on you — especially when emergencies or difficult tenants show up.
What a Property Manager Actually Does
A property manager takes over the day-to-day work so you don’t have to. That includes:
- Finding and screening tenants
- Writing leases
- Collecting rent
- Coordinating maintenance
- Scheduling inspections
- Marketing your property
- Handling evictions and legal notices
- Keeping records and sending monthly reports
They act as the go-between for you and your tenants. If something breaks, they handle it. If a payment is late, they follow up. You still make the big decisions, but you’re not the one doing all the work.
Benefits of Hiring a Property Manager in Tyler, TX
Hiring a manager frees up your time. They know how to get qualified tenants in quickly, price the property right, and handle every issue that comes up.
They also understand Texas rental laws and can help you avoid costly mistakes. If something legal comes up — like an eviction — they know the process and paperwork.
A good property manager helps you earn more by reducing vacancy time, increasing rent collection rates, and keeping tenants longer. Instead of reacting to problems, they run your rental like a business.
How Much Does Property Management Cost in Tyler, TX?
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you might expect to pay for property management in Tyler:
While it’s not free, many landlords find the peace of mind and extra income well worth it. One bad tenant can cost more than a year of management fees.
Self-Managing vs. Hiring: Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s how the two options stack up:
If you're short on time, don’t live nearby, or just want to make your life easier, hiring a manager makes sense.
Why More Tyler Landlords Are Choosing Cintra Realty
Cintra Realty is helping property owners across Tyler with full-service management. They take care of everything — from finding tenants to collecting rent and scheduling repairs.
They know the local market, so they can help you price your property correctly and avoid long vacancies. Whether you’re a local or an out-of-state owner, Cintra Realty makes renting easy.
You stay in control. They handle the rest.
Visit Cintra Realty to learn more about their services.
Free Rental Property Analysis
Not sure what your property could rent for? You might be undercharging — or dealing with more than you should.
Cintra Realty offers a free rental analysis. They’ll review your property, give you an estimated rental rate, and show how their services can help.
Click here to request your free rental analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the downside of managing a rental yourself?
It takes time, increases your legal risk, and can cause stress — especially if a tenant stops paying or damages the property.
What does a property manager actually do?
They handle all day-to-day tasks like screening tenants, collecting rent, scheduling repairs, and managing leases.
How much does it cost to hire a property manager in Tyler, TX?
Typically 8–10% of the rent, plus a one-time leasing fee. Some services like maintenance coordination or evictions may be included.
Can I hire a property manager if I already have tenants?
Yes. Cintra Realty can take over management even if your unit is already occupied. They’ll help make the transition smooth.
Is it worth hiring a manager for just one rental?
Yes. Even one bad tenant can cause thousands in losses. A property manager can help you avoid that risk — even with one unit.
