Property Management Fees

Property Management Fees and the Questions You Should Be Asking

So, you’re talking to different property management companies about their fee structures, and things are starting to get confusing. You’re not alone — the range of fees and terminology can make it tough to figure out what you’ll actually end up paying.

Let’s break down the most common fees and the key questions you should ask when comparing property management companies.

1. Leasing Fee

This is the fee charged to fill a vacancy.
Most companies charge one month’s rent plus tax for renting out your unit. Always confirm what’s included — for example, does the fee cover advertising, showings, and tenant screening?

2. Management Fees

There are typically two main structures for ongoing management:

• Flat Fee Model
  A fixed monthly amount per property, usually between $99 and $150 per door.
  Be cautious — these lower rates often include limited services, with many “extras” added later. Think of it like buying a car at a base price and paying more for every add-on, and see how quick you pay much more.
• Percentage-Based Model
  In Ontario, these fees usually range from 8% to 12% of the monthly rent collected.
  The exact services included vary by company, so make sure to ask for a detailed list — and check what’s not included.

3. Extra Fees to Watch Out For

Here are some of the most common add-on charges you might see:

• Account Set-Up Fee: Some companies charge $100–$300 just to start managing each unit.
• Maintenance Administration Fee: A 5–10% surcharge on maintenance invoices is not uncommon.
• Unit Inspection Fee: Charged for visiting the property to perform inspections.
• Vacant Unit Fee: A fee for managing an empty property, even when no rent is coming in.
• Lease Renewal Fee: You may be charged to extend a tenant’s lease.
• Re-Rental Fee: After a tenant moves out, you may have to pay again to rent the unit — unless the company offers a tenant warranty.

As you can see, these can add up quickly — so be sure to ask for a complete list of potential fees before signing a management agreement.

A.G. Secure Property Management – Transparent and Simple

At A.G. Secure Property Management, we believe in keeping things clear and straightforward.

Our Fee Structure:

• Leasing Only: 1 month’s rent + HST
• Full Property Management:
• Leasing: ½ month’s rent + HST
• Property Management Fee: 8–10% of rent collected (comprehensive services included)
• 100% Rent Payment Guarantee: 15% management fee

No Hidden Fees – Ever

We do not charge for:

• Vacant unit management
• Account set-up
• Maintenance admin or upcharge fees
• Unit inspections
• Lease renewals
• Re-rental of the same unit

Bottom line: What you see is what you pay — no extra costs, no surprises.

Final Tip:
When comparing property management companies, don’t just look at the headline rate. Always ask for a full breakdown of all fees and services so you can make an informed decision.