Let’s be honest—property management is full of surprises. And not the good kind. From leaky roofs to unexpected wildlife visitors, property managers in Australia know all too well that the job comes with its own set of challenges. It’s not just about collecting rent or showing properties—it’s about being the first line of defense when things go wrong, and trust us, things always go wrong at the most inconvenient times.
Whether you’re dealing with a broken down hot water system during a heatwave or trying to track down a missing possum in the roof, these problems are the stuff of property management nightmares. Some of them are almost comical in their absurdity, while others are straight-up disasters that can keep you awake at night.
We contacted property managers to share their unforgettable maintenance horror stories. We found tales ranging from the bizarre to the downright terrifying. So, buckle up as we dive into the world of common property management problems and property management challenges, where things rarely go according to plan. And if you’re a property manager yourself, keep reading—you’ll find that you’re not alone in this chaotic, occasionally absurd, world!
1. “Leak” – The Silent Assailant
Ah, the classic “leak.” You know, the one your tenant finally reports at 2 a.m., even though it’s been slowly dripping for days?
By the time you get the call, it’s already flooded their bathroom, and probably the hallway, too. Of course, you have no idea where it’ll pop up next—ceiling, walls, or, oh joy, your brand-new carpet.
Just another day in the life of common property management problems that keeps you guessing.
2. PM: “The tree needs trimming”. Overseas Owner: “How did the tree get there?”
Tree maintenance? Oh, you mean the one that just appeared out of nowhere?
Trees don’t magically grow in the middle of your property, right? (Spoiler: they do.)
For owners who aren’t physically present, the geography of their property can be a mystery, and convincing them for a repair can be a tough gig for the property manager.
3. “No hot water just when you are about to close on a Friday.”
Is there a more dreaded time than right before the weekend?
Just when you’re wrapping up, the hot water system gives up and ruins your Friday. That’s the kind of Friday afternoon drama no property manager wants to deal with.
Your tenants are now cold, and you’re the one who will be staying on the phone with plumbers all evening. Timing like this makes tackling property management challenges even harder.
4. “Rats chew through plastic water pipes in the ceiling.”
Rats, water, and ceilings don’t belong in the same sentence—especially when it involves rats that chew through your pipes.
It’s like a nightmare crossed with a plumbing horror movie. And let’s not even talk about the clean-up.
This is one of those common property management problems that can escalate into something much bigger.
5. “Tenant burns the house down on Christmas holidays.”
Ah, holidays—the season for joy, family gatherings, and…fire hazards?
When a tenant accidentally sets fire to the house while you’re trying to enjoy some much-needed time off, you know property management is never truly “off.” Christmas is a time for giving, but not when it involves giving a brand-new rebuild to your tenant’s property.
This is one of those property management challenges that’ll make you reconsider taking a holiday!
6. “A squatter in a vacant house.”
Squatters. Just the word sends shivers down a property manager’s spine.
They’re the unexpected guests who don’t RSVP and certainly don’t leave when you ask them to.
And when you think you’ve got everything under control—surprise!
Dealing with squatters is one of the common property management problems that never seems to go away.
7. “Tree through the roof.”
We all know trees are vital to nature, but this is next-level Arbor Day.
Imagine coming to a property to find a giant tree that has made a cozy little home on the roof. Not quite what the tenants ordered, is it?
This property management challenge requires quick thinking and the right people to help fix things before the situation worsens.
8. “One word: Poonami.”
For those uninitiated, “poonami” is the term for a catastrophic diaper incident.
When your tenant’s baby decides to “spread the joy” across the entire room, it’s safe to say the cleaning bill will be higher than expected. And no, it’s not covered under normal maintenance.
This is one of those common property management problems that no one expects but always seems to happen at the worst time.
9. “Possum with a baby in the roof.”
It’s 3 a.m., and you hear the distinct sound of claws scratching across the ceiling. Upon inspection, it’s a possum… with a baby.
Now, instead of just evicting one furry tenant, you’re dealing with a whole possum family, and trust us, they don’t want to leave peacefully.
Dealing with unexpected wildlife is something you never sign up for!
10. “Why should I fix the aircon just because the tenants want to use it.”
Ah, the classic what’s in it for me?
This one just hits a special place in every property manager’s heart—right next to their “Why do I even bother?” sentiment.
This type of owner logic is a common part of the property management challenges every manager faces.
11. “My first meth house and the process to get it all sorted.”
If you ever wondered what could go wrong with a property, a meth house is probably at the top of the list.
There’s the investigation, the legal hoops, and did we mention the cleanup?
It’s not exactly the “new home” feeling anyone hopes for when getting into property management.
12. “The DIY Disaster” – The Tenant Who Can’t Help Themselves
Your tenant takes it upon themselves to fix a problem—without telling you.
A simple plumbing issue turns into a full-blown mess when they decide to “help” by using duct tape and whatever tools they found in the garage.
Now you’re left with an amateur fix that’s created a bigger issue, and your phone is ringing off the hook.
13. “Tenants who just don’t care about cleanliness”
Everything looks fine, then you get a call from the tenant complaining of a musty smell.
You check the property and find that hidden behind the drywall is a full-on mould colony.
It’s been there for months, just waiting for the right humidity to launch a full invasion. Now you’re dealing with an expensive clean-up and a very unhappy owner.
Being a Property Management It’s Never Boring, That’s for Sure!
Property management is not for the faint of heart.
Whether you’re running into the everyday property management challenges or the weirdest ones of all, it’s a constant reminder that you’re always learning, adapting, and becoming more prepared for the next big surprise.
Ready to Tackle Your Next Property Maintenance Nightmare?
Whether you’re dealing with tree invasions or last-minute plumbing disasters, i4T Maintenance has your back!
i4T Maintenance helps property managers like you find certified suppliers, automate work orders, and keep both owners and tenants in the loop from start to finish.
Say goodbye to chaos and hello to streamlined solutions. Let us handle the property management challenges, so you can focus on what really matters—like finally getting some sleep!
FAQs
i4T Maintenance is designed to streamline the property management process, especially in emergencies. With our software, you can instantly generate and automate work orders, find certified suppliers near you, and keep both tenants and property owners in the loop. This means you can respond faster to emergencies, like broken pipes or HVAC failures, ensuring minimal downtime and better communication.
Absolutely! One of the standout features of i4T Maintenance is you can maintain your list of trusted suppliers. It helps you connect with certified suppliers for maintenance and repair needs. Whether you’re looking for a plumber, an electrician, or someone to handle pest control, i4T Maintenance ensures you have access to compliant professionals when you need them most.
i4T Maintenance offers seamless communication tools that ensure everyone is kept up-to-date. Tenants can easily submit maintenance requests, which are instantly relayed to property managers. Meanwhile, owners are kept informed of the status of repairs and work orders. This transparency helps eliminate confusion, reduces follow-ups, and keeps everyone in the loop from start to finish
Yes! i4T Maintenance is flexible and scalable, making it ideal for both residential and commercial properties. Whether you’re managing a single residential unit or a complex commercial property, i4T Maintenance allows you to track and manage maintenance requests, work orders, and supplier coordination, all from one platform.
With i4T Maintenance integrates with a supplier app that lets your tradies automate routine maintenance schedules, get reminders for regular inspections, and track the status of ongoing tasks. This proactive approach helps you prevent issues from becoming emergencies. Regular maintenance is made easier, helping you avoid unexpected problems and keep properties in tip-top shape year-round.
