How to Write a Property Manager Resume: Skills, Examples, and What Employers Look For in 2026

Property management requires a combination of financial oversight, tenant relations, maintenance coordination, and regulatory compliance. Employers need to verify quickly that you can handle budgets, reduce vacancy rates, manage vendor relationships, and navigate landlord-tenant law without creating liability.

This guide explains how to structure a property manager resume that demonstrates operational competence, financial accountability, and the ability to maintain property value while keeping occupancy high and tenant satisfaction stable.

What hiring managers look for in property manager resumes

Property management companies, real estate investment firms, and building owners often use applicant tracking systems to screen candidates. These systems filter for specific certifications, software proficiency, and property type experience before human review.

Hiring managers then assess whether you can manage multiple properties simultaneously, maintain financial performance metrics, and handle the inevitable conflicts that arise between tenants, vendors, and ownership. They want evidence that you understand fair housing law, can prepare budgets, and know when to escalate issues versus handling them independently.

Your resume should answer these questions immediately: What types of properties have you managed? How many units? What was your occupancy rate and tenant retention? Do you have relevant certifications?

Essential sections for a property manager resume

Contact information

Include your full name, location (city and state), phone number, and professional email address. If you hold property management licenses in multiple states, you may note this briefly in your header or certifications section.

Certifications and licenses

Property management certifications signal professional competence and commitment to the field. List any credentials you hold near the top of your resume.

Common certifications include:

• Certified Property Manager (CPM)
• Residential Management Professional (RMP)
• Accredited Residential Manager (ARM)
• Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)
• Real estate license (if applicable in your state)

Include the issuing organization and year obtained. If you are working toward a certification, note this with expected completion date.

Professional summary

A brief statement that positions your management experience, property types, and operational strengths. This should be specific and quantifiable where possible.

Example for an experienced property manager: Certified Property Manager with eight years of experience managing 400+ residential units across multifamily and mixed-use properties. Maintained 95% average occupancy rate and reduced operating costs by 12% through vendor renegotiation and preventive maintenance programs. Proficient in Yardi, AppFolio, and property budgeting.

Example for someone transitioning into property management: Detail-oriented professional with five years of experience in hospitality management and facilities coordination. Skilled in vendor management, customer service, budget oversight, and facility maintenance. Recently completed Residential Management Professional certification and ready to apply operational expertise to multifamily property management.

Core competencies and skills

This section should reflect the practical skills that make you effective in property management. Use specific terminology that matches industry standards.

Examples include:

• Budget preparation and variance analysis
• Tenant screening and lease administration
• Rent collection and delinquency management
• Maintenance coordination and vendor oversight
• Fair housing compliance
• Eviction proceedings and legal coordination
• Property inspections and safety compliance
• Occupancy and retention optimization
• Capital improvement project management
• Emergency response and crisis management

Property management software proficiency

Property management relies heavily on specialized software platforms. List the systems you have used and your level of proficiency.

Common platforms include:

• Yardi Voyager, Yardi Breeze
• AppFolio
• Buildium
• RealPage
• Propertyware
• Rent Manager
• MRI Software

If you have experience with accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage), tenant portals, maintenance management systems, or CRM platforms, include these as well.

Work experience: demonstrating property performance and operational impact

Your work history should show that you can maintain property value, optimize financial performance, and manage the daily operations that keep buildings running. Use metrics wherever possible.

For each position, include the company name, location, your title, dates of employment, and a description of your responsibilities and achievements.

Example for multifamily property manager:

Property Manager Riverside Residential Management, Denver, CO March 2020 – Present

• Manage portfolio of 350 multifamily residential units across three apartment communities
• Maintain 96% average occupancy rate through effective marketing, tenant retention programs, and competitive pricing analysis
• Oversee annual operating budget of $2.8M, consistently meeting or exceeding NOI targets
• Reduce tenant turnover by 18% through improved communication, timely maintenance response, and tenant engagement initiatives
• Coordinate maintenance operations with 15+ vendors, negotiating contracts and ensuring quality work within budget constraints
• Handle tenant relations including lease renewals, conflict resolution, and rent collection with 98% on-time payment rate
• Ensure compliance with fair housing regulations, safety codes, and local landlord-tenant ordinances
• Process lease applications, conduct background and credit checks, and manage move-in/move-out procedures
• Utilize Yardi Voyager for financial reporting, tenant communications, and maintenance work order tracking

Example for commercial property manager:

Commercial Property Manager Summit Property Group, Atlanta, GA January 2018 – February 2020

• Managed mixed-use property with 80,000 square feet of commercial space and 45 residential units
• Maintained 92% commercial occupancy through proactive tenant relations and competitive lease negotiations
• Prepared and managed annual budget of $1.5M, tracking income and expenses monthly and providing variance reports to ownership
• Coordinated capital improvement projects including HVAC system replacement ($250K) and parking lot resurfacing ($85K)
• Negotiated and managed service contracts with janitorial, landscaping, security, and maintenance vendors
• Conducted quarterly property inspections to ensure compliance with building codes and safety regulations
• Handled commercial lease administration, including CAM reconciliations and tenant improvement coordination
• Responded to after-hours emergencies and coordinated resolution with appropriate vendors
• Used AppFolio for accounting, lease management, and tenant portals

Example for assistant property manager or early-career role:

Assistant Property Manager Metro Housing Associates, Seattle, WA June 2021 – Present

• Support senior property manager in daily operations of 200-unit residential community
• Process rental applications, conduct tenant screenings, and coordinate move-ins and move-outs
• Manage rent collection, post payments, and follow up on delinquent accounts to maintain 97% collection rate
• Coordinate maintenance requests, schedule vendor services, and conduct unit inspections
• Assist with lease renewals, rent increases, and tenant communication
• Maintain accurate records in Buildium including lease documents, inspection reports, and financial transactions
• Conduct property tours for prospective tenants and respond to inquiries via phone, email, and online portals
• Help prepare monthly reports on occupancy, collections, and maintenance activities

Switching into tech support, Yotru helped me highlight software skills, not just troubleshooting. Adding ATS terms made the difference. I am actually getting call backs now.

Quantifying your property management achievements

Property management performance is measurable. Whenever possible, include specific metrics that demonstrate your operational effectiveness.

Relevant metrics include:

• Number of units managed
• Property types (residential, commercial, mixed-use, student housing, affordable housing)
• Occupancy rates (average and sustained)
• Budget size (operating budget, capital expenditures)
• Tenant retention rates
• Rent collection rates
• Operating expense reductions
• NOI (Net Operating Income) improvements
• Lease renewal percentages
• Maintenance response times
• Inspection scores or compliance ratings

Example with metrics: Increased property NOI by 14% over two years through improved rent collection procedures, reduced vacancy periods from 45 days to 28 days average, and renegotiated vendor contracts saving $32K annually.

Education and professional development

List your highest degree earned, institution, and graduation year. If you have a degree in real estate, business administration, hospitality management, or a related field, note this.

Example: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration University of Colorado, Boulder, CO Graduated 2016

If you completed property management training programs, fair housing certification, or continuing education courses, include these:

• IREM Certification Courses (CPM track)
• Fair Housing Training (annual compliance)
• Emergency Preparedness and Safety Training
• Landlord-Tenant Law Workshops
• Property Maintenance and Operations Courses

Keywords for applicant tracking systems

Applicant tracking systems scan property manager resumes for terms that match job descriptions and industry requirements. Common keywords include:

• Property management, property manager, portfolio management
• Multifamily, residential, commercial, mixed-use
• Occupancy rate, tenant retention, lease administration
• Budget management, NOI, operating expenses
• Yardi, AppFolio, Buildium, RealPage
• Fair housing, landlord-tenant law, eviction proceedings
• Vendor management, maintenance coordination
• Rent collection, delinquency management
• Tenant screening, background checks
• Capital improvements, preventive maintenance
• Property inspections, safety compliance
• Lease renewals, move-in/move-out procedures

These terms should appear naturally throughout your resume in context. Do not list keywords without supporting detail, as this reduces credibility and may trigger red flags in more sophisticated screening systems.

For additional guidance on ATS optimization, see how to effectively target job keywords in your resume.

Common mistakes to avoid

Listing duties without showing performance

A resume that says "managed properties" or "handled tenant relations" does not differentiate you. Include the number of units, occupancy rates, budget size, and specific improvements you made to property operations.

Omitting software proficiency

Property management runs on specialized platforms. If you do not list Yardi, AppFolio, or comparable systems, hiring managers may assume you lack the technical competence required for the role.

Ignoring compliance and regulatory knowledge

Fair housing violations, safety code failures, and improper eviction procedures create significant liability. Demonstrate that you understand and follow legal requirements in your work.

Using vague language about tenant interactions

Phrases like "provided excellent customer service" do not convey competence in property management. Describe how you handled difficult situations, maintained high occupancy, or improved tenant retention through specific actions.

Formatting and length

Most property manager resumes should be one to two pages. If you have managed properties for over ten years, worked across multiple markets, or hold senior leadership roles, a second page is appropriate.

Use a clean, professional format with clearly defined sections. Avoid excessive graphics or unusual fonts that may not parse correctly in applicant tracking systems.

For more on resume structure, see simple, clean, and effective: the power of a minimalist resume.

Sample resume: experienced property manager

David Rodriguez Phoenix, AZ | (602) 555-7890 | david.rodriguez@yotruemail.com

Professional Summary Certified Property Manager with nine years of experience managing 500+ multifamily residential units. Maintained 95% average occupancy rate while reducing operating costs by 15% through strategic vendor management and preventive maintenance programs. Expert in Yardi Voyager, budget preparation, and fair housing compliance.

Certifications Certified Property Manager (CPM) – Institute of Real Estate Management, 2021 Residential Management Professional (RMP) – National Apartment Association, 2019 Fair Housing Certified – 2025

Professional Experience

Senior Property Manager Desert Ridge Property Management, Phoenix, AZ January 2021 – Present

• Manage portfolio of 425 multifamily units across four apartment communities with combined annual operating budget of $4.2M
• Maintain 96% average occupancy rate through targeted marketing, competitive pricing analysis, and proactive tenant retention
• Increase property NOI by 17% over three years through improved rent collection (99% on-time rate), reduced vacancy periods, and vendor contract renegotiations
• Oversee capital improvement projects including pool renovations ($180K), exterior painting ($95K), and security system upgrades ($65K)
• Supervise team of three assistant property managers and coordinate with 20+ maintenance and service vendors
• Ensure compliance with fair housing regulations, state landlord-tenant law, and local safety codes
• Utilize Yardi Voyager for financial reporting, lease administration, maintenance tracking, and tenant portals
• Handle escalated tenant issues, eviction proceedings, and legal coordination with property attorneys

Property Manager Valley Residential Group, Phoenix, AZ March 2018 – December 2020

• Managed two apartment communities totaling 215 units with annual operating budget of $1.8M
• Improved tenant retention by 22% through enhanced communication, timely maintenance response, and community events
• Reduced operating expenses by 12% through vendor contract negotiations and implementation of preventive maintenance schedules
• Processed lease applications, conducted tenant screenings, and managed move-in/move-out procedures
• Prepared monthly financial reports including budget variance analysis and occupancy tracking
• Coordinated emergency response protocols and after-hours maintenance coverage

Assistant Property Manager Sunrise Property Services, Tempe, AZ June 2016 – February 2018

• Supported property manager in daily operations of 180-unit residential community
• Managed rent collection, processed payments, and followed up on delinquent accounts
• Coordinated maintenance requests and scheduled vendor services
• Conducted property tours and lease showings for prospective tenants
• Assisted with lease renewals, rent increases, and tenant communications

Core Competencies

• Budget preparation and variance analysis
• Occupancy and retention optimization
• Tenant screening and lease administration
• Vendor management and contract negotiation
• Fair housing and legal compliance
• Maintenance coordination and capital projects
• Rent collection and delinquency management
• Emergency response and crisis management

Technology Proficiency Yardi Voyager, AppFolio, QuickBooks, Microsoft Office Suite

Education Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ Graduated 2016

Sample resume: entry-level property manager

Sarah Kim Portland, OR | (503) 555-2341 | sarah.kim@yotruemail.com

Professional Summary Detail-oriented professional with three years of customer service and administrative experience seeking to transition into property management. Recently completed Residential Management Professional certification. Skilled in tenant relations, vendor coordination, and administrative operations.

Certifications Residential Management Professional (RMP) – National Apartment Association, 2025 Fair Housing Certified – 2025 CPR/First Aid Certified – American Red Cross

Professional Experience

Leasing Consultant Metro Apartments, Portland, OR August 2023 – Present

• Conduct property tours and lease showings for prospective tenants at 150-unit apartment community
• Process rental applications, verify employment and references, and conduct background and credit checks
• Maintain 94% occupancy through effective marketing and prompt response to inquiries
• Coordinate move-in and move-out procedures including unit inspections and deposit reconciliations
• Respond to tenant inquiries and maintenance requests via phone, email, and resident portal
• Assist property manager with lease renewals, rent collection follow-up, and tenant communications
• Utilize Buildium for lease documentation, payment processing, and maintenance tracking

Customer Service Supervisor Pacific Hotel Group, Portland, OR January 2021 – July 2023

• Supervised team of six front desk agents at 120-room hotel
• Managed guest relations, resolved complaints, and ensured high satisfaction ratings (4.6/5 average)
• Coordinated with housekeeping and maintenance departments to address facility issues
• Handled vendor scheduling for hotel services including cleaning, repairs, and deliveries
• Assisted with budget tracking and monthly expense reporting
• Implemented new reservation system and trained staff on software usage

Administrative Assistant Cascade Business Solutions, Portland, OR June 2019 – December 2020

• Provided administrative support for office of 25 employees
• Managed vendor relationships and coordinated office maintenance and supplies
• Processed invoices, tracked expenses, and assisted with budget preparation
• Scheduled appointments, maintained calendars, and organized company events
• Improved filing system and document organization for improved efficiency

Core Competencies

• Tenant relations and customer service
• Lease administration and documentation
• Vendor coordination and scheduling
• Budget tracking and expense management
• Problem resolution and conflict management
• Administrative operations and organization

Technology Proficiency Buildium, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook), basic QuickBooks

Education Bachelor of Arts in Communications Portland State University, Portland, OR Graduated 2019

Professional Development

• Property Management Fundamentals (NAA Education Institute)
• Fair Housing Training
• Customer Service Excellence Workshop

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Adapting your resume for different property types

Multifamily residential property management

Emphasize tenant retention, occupancy rates, lease administration, and community management. Highlight experience with student housing, senior living, or affordable housing if relevant.

Commercial property management

Focus on lease negotiations, CAM reconciliations, tenant improvement coordination, and commercial lease administration. Note experience with retail, office, industrial, or mixed-use properties.

Homeowners association (HOA) management

Highlight board relations, reserve fund management, covenant enforcement, architectural review processes, and community governance. Note experience with master-planned communities or condominium associations.

Affordable housing and subsidized properties

Emphasize compliance with HUD regulations, LIHTC requirements, Section 8 administration, and income certification processes. Note experience with annual recertification and government reporting.

Addressing career transitions into property management

Property management attracts professionals from hospitality, facilities management, customer service, and real estate sales. If you are transitioning from another field, emphasize transferable skills.

Hospitality professionals can highlight guest relations, facility coordination, vendor management, and operations oversight. Customer service professionals can emphasize conflict resolution, communication, and problem-solving. Real estate agents can focus on market knowledge, negotiation skills, and client relationship management.

If you are entering property management without direct experience, complete relevant certifications (RMP, ARM, CAM) and seek entry-level roles such as leasing consultant, assistant property manager, or community manager to build industry-specific experience.

For guidance on career transitions, see how to build your next career chapter after 50.

Using references effectively

Property management employers often check references to verify your operational competence, financial accountability, and ability to handle difficult situations. Prepare a separate reference sheet with names, titles, contact information, and professional relationships.

Ideal references include:

• Property owners or asset managers you reported to
• Senior property managers who supervised your work
• Colleagues who can speak to your operational abilities
• Vendors or contractors who worked with you regularly

Ensure your references can speak specifically about your occupancy rates, tenant retention, budget management, and problem-solving abilities.

For more on reference strategy, see the types of references you need in your job search.

Final considerations

A property manager resume should demonstrate that you can maintain property value, optimize financial performance, and manage the complex daily operations that keep buildings functional and tenants satisfied. This requires a combination of financial acumen, people skills, operational knowledge, and legal compliance that few other roles demand.

Tailor your resume for each application by emphasizing the property types, portfolio size, or specialized experience mentioned in the job description. If applying to a company that manages affordable housing, highlight your HUD compliance experience. If applying to a luxury property firm, emphasize high-touch tenant service and amenity management.

Your resume should make it immediately clear what types of properties you have managed, how many units, and what results you achieved. Everything else is secondary.

About this guide

This guide was written by Team Yotru to help property managers create resumes that reflect operational competence and financial accountability. It is based on current hiring practices in property management across North America and is intended for property managers at all experience levels.

If you are building or updating your resume, Yotru's resume builder can help you structure your information clearly and ensure that your property management experience and achievements are presented effectively.

For questions or feedback, contact us at https://yotru.com/contact.

Author: Team Yotru

The team behind one of Canada's leading AI resume builders. Yotru works at the intersection of employability, education, and workforce systems. We support learners, students, newcomers, military veterans, industry professionals, and job seekers as they navigate complex and changing labor markets. We collaborate closely with career development centers, training providers, recruiters, charities, and public-sector organizations. Our approach combines real-world delivery, academic insight, and awareness of labor market policy, positioning Yotru as a trusted authority on what genuinely improves employment outcomes.