How Much Does Property Management Cost in Ontario?

If you're a landlord in Peterborough or the Kawartha Lakes area considering hiring a property manager, the first question is almost always: what's it going to cost me?

It's a fair question, and the answer is less straightforward than most people expect, because property management fees vary quite a bit depending on the company, the services included, and the type of property. Here's what you need to know.

The Main Fee Structures

Percentage of Monthly Rent

The most common model in Ontario. The property manager charges a percentage of the monthly rent collected, typically somewhere between 8% and 12% for residential properties, though this varies by market and scope of services.

On a unit renting for $1,500/month, a 10% management fee works out to $150/month. For that, you'd typically get rent collection, tenant communication, and basic oversight, though what's included varies by company, so it's worth asking.

Flat Per-Door Fee

Some companies charge a flat monthly rate per unit rather than a percentage. This can be more predictable for landlords with higher-rent properties, since the fee doesn't scale with rent.

Hybrid Models

Some property managers combine a flat base fee with additional charges for specific services, leasing a new tenant, coordinating a major repair, or managing an LTB filing, for example.

What's Usually Included (and What's Not)

This is where landlords often get surprised. A low management fee might not include:

• Leasing fees — many companies charge a separate one-time fee (often one month's rent) when they place a new tenant

• Maintenance markups — some managers add a percentage on top of repair costs

• LTB representation — filing and attending hearings may be billed separately

• Vacancy periods — some contracts still charge a fee even when the unit is empty

Before signing with any property management company, get a clear picture of the full fee structure, not just the headline rate.

How to Think About Whether It's Worth It

The management fee is only part of the equation. The more useful question is: what does it cost you to manage the property yourself?

Consider your time. If you spend 5-10 hours a month on a single rental — handling maintenance calls, chasing rent, dealing with tenant questions, keeping records — and you value your time at even $30/hour, that's $150–$300/month in real cost. A professional manager may come in at or below that number, and they bring expertise and systems you'd have to build yourself.

There's also the cost of mistakes. A poorly handled LTB filing, a missed notice period, or an improperly documented repair can cost far more than a year of management fees.

What K&M Property Solutions Charges

We manage residential and commercial properties across Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes region. Our fee structure is straightforward,

we're happy to walk you through exactly what's included for your specific property and situation.

If you're weighing whether professional management makes financial sense for your property, reach out. We'll give you a straight answer.