Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Live-In Resident Manager

🎯 Role Definition

As our Live-In Resident Manager, you will be the heart of our residential community and the primary point of contact for all tenants. This is a dynamic, hands-on leadership role that requires a unique blend of exceptional customer service, operational acumen, and practical maintenance skills. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of property management, from leasing and tenant relations to financial oversight and physical asset maintenance. This role requires a proactive problem-solver who takes pride in creating a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained living environment, ultimately protecting and enhancing the value of the property.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Assistant Property Manager
Leasing Manager
Maintenance Supervisor

Advancement To:

Multi-Site Property Manager
Regional Property Manager
Asset Manager

Lateral Moves:

Facilities Manager
Commercial Property Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Act as the primary on-site point of contact for all resident inquiries, concerns, and maintenance requests, providing timely and professional resolutions to ensure high levels of tenant satisfaction.
Manage the end-to-end leasing process, including marketing available units, conducting property tours for prospective tenants, and screening applications in compliance with company policies and Fair Housing laws.
Oversee all lease administration activities, including the preparation and execution of new lease agreements, renewals, and move-in/move-out documentation and inspections.
Enforce all property rules, regulations, and lease terms consistently and fairly among all residents to maintain a peaceful and orderly community environment.
Coordinate and supervise all on-site maintenance and repairs, dispatching maintenance staff or third-party vendors to address issues promptly and effectively.
Conduct regular and thorough inspections of the property grounds, common areas, and building systems to identify and address maintenance needs, safety hazards, and opportunities for improvement.
Manage the apartment turnover process, including scheduling and overseeing vendors for painting, cleaning, and repairs to ensure units are rent-ready in a timely manner.
Administer the rent collection process, including posting charges, processing payments, following up on delinquent accounts, and, when necessary, managing the eviction process in accordance with legal guidelines.
Maintain positive and professional relationships with all vendors and contractors, obtaining bids, scheduling work, and verifying the quality of services rendered.
Respond promptly to after-hours property and resident emergencies, troubleshooting issues and coordinating an immediate response to mitigate damage and ensure resident safety.
Supervise, train, and schedule any on-site staff, such as maintenance technicians or janitorial personnel, fostering a collaborative and efficient team environment.
Maintain meticulous and organized property records, including resident files, lease documents, incident reports, and maintenance logs, using property management software.
Facilitate a strong sense of community by planning and organizing resident events and maintaining clear, positive communication through newsletters or community portals.
Manage the procurement of necessary supplies, equipment, and services for the property while adhering to budgetary constraints.
Ensure the property maintains its curb appeal by overseeing landscaping, snow removal, and the general cleanliness of all exterior and common areas.

Secondary Functions

Assist the Property Manager or corporate office in the development of the annual operating budget by providing input on anticipated maintenance expenses and capital improvement projects.
Prepare and submit regular operational reports on leasing activity, resident issues, property incidents, and maintenance status to regional management.
Conduct periodic market surveys to stay informed about competing properties, rental rates, and local market trends to provide recommendations for pricing and marketing strategies.
Coordinate and provide access for third-party service providers, such as utility companies, appraisers, and municipal inspectors.
Manage all key and access control systems for the property, ensuring accurate records of key distribution to residents, staff, and vendors.
Develop and maintain an emergency preparedness plan, ensuring all life-safety systems (e.g., fire alarms, extinguishers) are inspected and functional.
Mediate interpersonal conflicts between residents in a diplomatic and effective manner, seeking to find amicable solutions that align with community guidelines.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Property Management Software: High proficiency in industry-standard software such as Yardi, AppFolio, RealPage, or similar platforms.
Fair Housing & Landlord-Tenant Law: Strong, current knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations to ensure compliant operations.
Basic Building Maintenance: Practical, hands-on knowledge of minor plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and appliance troubleshooting and repair.
Budget Management: Experience with tracking expenses, contributing to budget creation, and processing invoices.
Vendor Management: Skill in sourcing, negotiating with, and overseeing the work of third-party contractors and service providers.
MS Office Suite: Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook for communication, reporting, and record-keeping.

Soft Skills

Customer Service Excellence: A genuine dedication to providing a superior living experience and building positive resident relationships.
Conflict Resolution: Advanced ability to de-escalate situations and mediate disputes between residents calmly and effectively.
Organizational & Time Management: Superior ability to prioritize a wide range of tasks, manage deadlines, and maintain order in a dynamic environment.
Leadership & Supervision: Proven ability to lead and motivate on-site staff, delegate tasks, and ensure team accountability.
Problem-Solving: A resourceful and proactive approach to identifying issues and implementing practical, effective solutions.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for clear and professional interaction with residents, staff, vendors, and corporate management.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree.
Industry certifications such as Certified Apartment Manager (CAM), Accredited Residential Manager (ARM), or Certified Property Manager (CPM) are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Business Administration
Real Estate
Hospitality Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-5+ years of progressive experience in residential property management.

Preferred: Prior experience in a live-in or on-site management capacity is strongly preferred. Demonstrable experience managing a residential property of a similar size and scope is a significant asset.