Owning rental property in Maryland can be both rewarding and demanding. On one hand, rental income offers the promise of steady cash flow and long-term equity growth. On the other hand, managing a property involves fielding late-night maintenance calls, keeping tenants satisfied, staying compliant with regulations, and balancing the books, which can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s why many landlords turn to property management companies. But here’s the surprising truth: according to a recent national survey by Buildium, the second-most common source of stress for rental owners isn’t the tenants, the repairs, or the finances—it’s actually hiring and working with a property manager.
This finding underscores an important point. Property management is supposed to reduce stress, not add to it. Yet, too many landlords feel frustrated or disappointed because their property management partner fails to deliver the value they expect.
So, what should Maryland landlords expect from a property management company? Let’s break it down.
The Hidden Stress of Property Management
Landlords often seek professional property management for peace of mind. They want to offload the stress of rent collection, maintenance, and tenant issues. But as the survey revealed, 22% of owners cite “working with a property manager” itself as a top stressor.
Why? Common complaints landlords have about their property management company include:
- Lack of clear communication or responsiveness.
- Confusing financial statements make it hard to track profitability.
- Maintenance delays or unclear follow-up on repair requests.
- A lack of transparency regarding fees and decision-making processes.
For landlords in Maryland’s competitive rental market—where local regulations vary by county and tenant expectations run high—these frustrations can be magnified. A management company that doesn’t provide clarity, accessibility, and proactive service quickly becomes a liability rather than an asset.
What Owners Look for in a Property Manager
When landlords hire a property manager, they aren’t simply outsourcing tasks. They are looking for a trusted partner who can protect their investment and enhance its value. Three major drivers stand out.
1. Distance
Nearly two-thirds of rental owners don’t live near their properties. For Maryland landlords who may live out of state or can’t visit regularly, a property manager must serve as their eyes and ears on the ground. This includes handling inspections, staying ahead of repairs, and offering informed local market insights.
2. Residents
Attracting and retaining quality tenants is essential for profitability. More than 60% of owners want professional help with screening, lease enforcement, and tenant relations. A strong property manager ensures vacancies are minimized, tenants pay on time, and the rental experience leads to long-term stability.
3. Maintenance
For 56% of landlords, maintenance and repairs are the top concern. They want managers who can respond quickly to emergencies, schedule preventive upkeep, and work with reliable vendors. Proactive maintenance protects property value and helps prevent costly breakdowns.
Ultimately, what unites these three drivers is one theme: peace of mind. Owners want assurance that their property and tenants are in capable, trustworthy hands.
The Top Qualities That Earn Trust and Value
Not every property manager delivers equally. To truly stand out, a company must excel in a few essential qualities that landlords consistently rank as most important.
1. Customer Service
Seventy-four percent of landlords want a management company that provides a best-in-class experience for both them and their residents. That means timely communication, respectful interactions, and a commitment to solving problems before they escalate.
2. Local Market Expertise
Fifty-five percent of landlords prioritize local expertise. In Maryland, this might mean understanding rental demand in Bethesda versus Howard County or keeping up with evolving landlord-tenant laws across jurisdictions. Owners expect guidance on pricing, marketing strategies, and legal compliance.
3. Transparent Reporting
Fifty-two percent of landlords say clear financial reporting is non-negotiable. Confusing spreadsheets and vague expense categories erode trust. Instead, owners want straightforward income and expense statements that highlight profitability, explain charges, and allow them to make informed decisions.
When these qualities are present, landlords not only perceive greater value but are also more likely to remain loyal clients.
The Technology That Makes It All Work
These days, technology is an expectation. Rental owners want processes digitized for convenience, accuracy, and efficiency.
Survey data shows that landlords specifically expect the following to be handled electronically:
- Payments (65%) – Rent collection and owner disbursements should be seamless and secure.
- Financial reporting (61%) – Access to real-time financial insights through an online dashboard.
- Communication (55%) – Streamlined updates, alerts, and messages between owners, residents, and managers.
- Document signing & sharing (58%) – Lease agreements, notices, and compliance documents stored in one place.
- Maintenance ticketing (46%) – Easy submission, tracking, and resolution of maintenance requests.
The central feature landlords are looking for is an owner portal. This all-in-one hub allows them to log in anytime, anywhere, and view critical information about their property. For busy owners, this convenience is a game-changer.
From Vendor to Valued Partner
At the end of the day, landlords aren’t just hiring a vendor to complete tasks—they want a partner who cares about their investment as much as they do.
That requires more than collecting rent checks or hiring vendors. It means:
- Proactive communication: Checking in regularly, aligning on goals, and closing the loop on open issues.
- Clarity and transparency: Making financials easy to understand and ensuring decisions are explained.
- Smart use of technology: Giving landlords access to the information they need, whenever they need it.
When these elements come together, property management becomes what it was meant to be: a source of relief, confidence, and long-term success.
For Maryland landlords, choosing the right property management company can make the difference between constant stress and true peace of mind. The best companies rise above the basics, transforming property ownership from a burden into a rewarding investment.
Partner With the Right Property Management Company in Maryland
If you are a landlord in Maryland, ask yourself: Does your current property management company provide the communication, transparency, and technology you deserve? If not, it may be time to explore a partner that does.
Mainstay Property Management is committed to setting the standard for property management in Maryland. With our focus on impeccable customer service, local expertise, and cutting-edge technology, we deliver the peace of mind landlords expect so you can enjoy the rewards of property ownership without the stress.
Mainstay Property Management is dedicated to serving Maryland landlords with proactive service, clear reporting, and streamlined technology. Fill out the form and experience the difference a true partner can make.