Home / Blog / Rental Management in Montreal: Self-Manage or Delegate? The Guide for Savvy Landlords

May 2025

Owning a rental property in Montreal is a lucrative opportunity over time, but rental management requires time, skills, and rigorous organization. Should you manage your property yourself to maintain full control, or should you delegate to a rental management company to gain peace of mind? 

This article compares self-management and delegated management, exploring their pros and cons and the essential criteria for choosing a reliable company in Montreal.

Managing your rental property yourself in Montreal gives you total control over your investment. You decide on every aspect, from tenant selection to property maintenance and relationship management. This approach allows you to trust your gut feeling during meetings, evaluating the connection you build with candidates and their motivation. You also have the freedom to choose and oversee the professionals you work with for repairs, ensuring the quality of their work. 

Furthermore, direct contact with tenants helps build a relationship of trust, facilitating communication and problem-solving, such as enforcing a clear policy on noise or pets in a condo building.

However, delegated management has its limits. Although these management fees could potentially be absorbed by an increase in revenue, other costs (travel, small repairs) that you could do yourself will cost you more with a management company. You also lose a certain amount of control, as emergencies can lead the company to make decisions for you, especially if you are far from your property. Moreover, a number of companies lack transparency, not providing detailed reports on expenses or actions taken.

One of the main shortcomings is the human relationship. As in other business sectors, the bigger a rental management company is, the more likely you are to be treated like a mere number, just like your tenants. This depersonalization can harm the maintenance of a good tenant-landlord relationship, which is essential for a long-term connection. This is why the choice of company, and its philosophy, is of utmost importance.

If you're opting for delegated management in Montreal, choosing a reliable company is crucial. Before creating Bénoline, we were on the same side of the table as you for over 15 years, dealing with property management companies (see the webpage Our story). Here are the essential aspects we've identified over the years, and that we recommend you check:

• Local Market Expertise: To succeed as a landlord, your management company must master the specifics of each neighborhood where it operates. In-depth knowledge of areas like Old Montreal, for example, is essential for setting the right rent and attracting quality tenants.
• Regulatory Expertise: Rental laws are constantly evolving. A competent management company has expertise in the rules of the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) for long-term rentals, municipal bylaws regarding zoning and good neighbourliness specifically for short-term rentals, as well as co-ownership rules. This expertise ensures that leases and building bylaws are compliant, fairly protecting both tenants and owners.
• On-the-Ground Presence: Ask how the company inspects and maintains your property. A proactive company conducts regular visits to anticipate maintenance needs and suggest improvements, like better insulation in an old building.
• Comprehensive Services: The company's services should include tenant screening, drafting leases with clear rules (noise, pets, maintenance, etc.), routine upkeep, coordination of major repairs, emergency management, and property enhancement to maximize its appeal.
• Transparency and Communication: Demand regular reports on income and expenses. The company should also offer a clear and responsive communication channel for your questions.
• Network of Qualified Professionals: Verify that the company collaborates with reliable contractors for quick, quality repairs.
• Personalized and Human Approach: A good company will get to know your property and your needs in detail. This is one of the most important criteria for a relationship of trust.

Choosing between self-management and delegated management in Montreal depends on your availability, skills, and goals. Self-management offers total control and eliminates fees, but it requires time, knowledge of the law, and clear rules to avoid issues.
Delegated management frees up time and provides expertise, but it requires choosing a proactive company that is on the ground and committed to maintenance, repairs, and the valuation of your property.

• A well-written lease and clear house rules prevent 80% of rental disputes.

• Even if you delegate, keep an eye on financial reports and inspection visits.

• Transparency with tenants reduces disputes and builds loyalty.

• Document all important communications with tenants.

• Setting aside a reserve fund for technical emergencies protects you from unpleasant surprises.

1. Is it profitable to manage a property yourself in Montreal?

Yes, because you avoid management fees. But it requires significant time and a good understanding of the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) rules.

2. Is delegated management suitable for short-term rentals?

Yes, especially to optimize occupancy with dynamic pricing and to provide consistent service to guests.

3. How do I choose a good property management company?

Check their local presence, knowledge of the law, transparency of reporting, and human approach.

4. Can I combine self-management and delegated management?

Yes, some owners delegate only certain tasks (e.g., emergencies or maintenance) while keeping the rest in-house.