Updated October 3, 2026 · DF Property Management
The common fee structures
| Fee | How it's usually charged |
|---|---|
| Monthly management fee | A percentage of rent collected, or a flat monthly amount per unit |
| Leasing / tenant placement | Often a portion of one month's rent, charged when a new lease is signed |
| Lease renewal | A smaller flat fee, or included |
| Repairs & maintenance | Trade invoices passed to the owner; some companies add a coordination fee |
| LTB & legal work | Often billed separately, plus Board filing fees |
| Onboarding | Some charge a one-time setup fee; many don't |
Percentage vs. flat fee
A percentage of collected rent aligns the manager's income with yours: if rent isn't collected, they aren't paid. A flat fee is predictable and can be better value for higher-rent properties. Either can be fair — what matters is what's included.
Seven questions to ask before you sign
- Is the fee charged on rent due, or rent collected?
- What exactly does the monthly fee include — inspections, renewals, after-hours calls?
- Do you mark up contractor invoices? Will I see the original invoice?
- What's my repair approval limit, and what happens in an emergency?
- How and when am I paid, and what does the statement show?
- Who handles LTB matters, and how is that billed?
- How do I end the agreement, and what notice is required?
What's the cost of not having a manager?
The fee is visible; the cost of self-managing usually isn't. It shows up as an extra vacant month, a tenant who wasn't screened well, an N4 served with the wrong amount, a missed rent increase, or a small leak that became a ceiling. For many owners, a good manager pays for themselves by avoiding just one of those.
How we price
We quote after a walkthrough, because a downtown condo, a house with a basement suite and a fourplex are different jobs. Our proposal sets out every fee in plain language, with no surprises later. Request a proposal.