Hudson Valley Property Management Pricing, Explained (What You Should Pay — and What to Watch For)
One of the first questions landlords ask me — usually after they’ve decided they might be done self-managing — is about cost.
“How much does property management actually cost in the Hudson Valley?”
“What’s normal?”
“What’s too high?”
“And what am I really paying for?”
Those are fair questions. Property management pricing can feel confusing if you’ve never worked with a professional company before, and honestly, not all pricing models are created equal. Two companies can advertise similar percentages and deliver very different experiences — and very different long-term costs.
So let’s break this down clearly, without the fluff, and talk about what Hudson Valley landlords should expect, what to look out for, and how we’ve structured things at Linc Property Management.
What Property Management Typically Costs in the Hudson Valley
Across the Hudson Valley, most full-service property management companies charge somewhere between 8% and 12% of the monthly rent. That range is pretty standard for long-term rental management in New York, where compliance, documentation, and tenant protections add complexity.
At Linc Property Management, our management fee is 10%.
That fee covers the ongoing management of the property — tenant communication, rent collection, maintenance coordination, compliance oversight, documentation, and day-to-day issue management. The goal is simple: once we’re managing the property, you’re no longer the point person.
Leasing and Renewal Fees: What’s Normal
In addition to monthly management, most companies charge a leasing fee when a new tenant is placed. This fee typically covers marketing, showings, screening, lease preparation, and move-in coordination.
In the Hudson Valley, that leasing fee is often one month’s rent or a percentage of it.
At Linc, we do things differently.
Our leasing fee is a flat $699, regardless of rent amount.
And when it’s time to renew a lease, our lease renewal fee is $99.
We prefer flat, predictable pricing that doesn’t penalize owners for higher rents and doesn’t create confusion about what something will cost.
Why the Percentage Isn’t the Whole Story
A lot of landlords focus on the management percentage alone — but that number rarely tells the full story.
Some companies advertise a lower monthly fee, but generate revenue in other ways that aren’t always obvious upfront. This doesn’t necessarily mean those models are wrong — but it does mean landlords should understand how a company is paid before signing on.
Here are a few common pricing practices landlords may encounter.
Maintenance Markups
Some property management companies add a markup to maintenance and repair invoices. For example, if a repair costs $500, the owner may see a higher number after a coordination fee or percentage is added.
The reasoning is usually that managing repairs takes time and oversight — which is true. But the impact to owners over time can be significant, especially on older properties or portfolios with frequent maintenance needs.
At Linc Property Management, we do not mark up maintenance or repairs.
You pay the vendor’s actual invoice — nothing added on top.
Late Fees and Other Ancillary Income
Another area where policies vary is late fees. Some companies keep them entirely. Others split them. Some credit them to the owner.
The same goes for things like administrative fees, coordination fees, or miscellaneous charges that may show up over time.
Our philosophy is simple: our compensation should be clear, predictable, and aligned with the owner — not dependent on tenant penalties or surprise charges.
Why “Lower Fees” Can End Up Costing More
This is where things get counterintuitive.
Lower monthly management fees often mean the company needs to make up revenue elsewhere. That can show up as markups, add-on fees, slower response times, limited oversight, or reduced service.
And when service slips, landlords usually end up paying for it in other ways — longer vacancies, higher turnover, more expensive repairs, or more involvement from the owner.
Good property management isn’t about being cheap.
It’s about being effective.
How Professional Management Can Actually Save You Money
This part surprises a lot of landlords.
Hiring a professional management company doesn’t just remove work — it often reduces costs, especially when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
Because we work with vendors every day, we’re not calling contractors cold. We have relationships. We know what jobs should cost, which fixes are necessary, and which ones aren’t. We can spot over-scoped repairs, prevent unnecessary replacements, and make sure work is done correctly the first time.
That experience alone often offsets a significant portion of the management fee — especially over the long term.
What Fair Pricing Really Looks Like
A fair property management fee is one where:
You’re no longer fielding tenant calls
You’re not coordinating repairs
You’re not guessing about compliance
You’re not worrying about screening or documentation
You’re not surprised by how the company makes money
If you’re paying a fee and still doing most of the work, something is off.
At Linc Property Management, our pricing is designed to be straightforward:
10% management fee
$699 leasing fee
$99 lease renewal fee
No maintenance markups
No hidden add-ons
The goal is long-term partnership, not nickel-and-diming.
Why Most Hudson Valley Landlords Decide It’s Worth It
The decision to hire a property manager usually isn’t about math alone — it’s about quality of life.
It’s realizing the phone hasn’t rung.
It’s knowing issues are handled without involvement.
It’s seeing repairs done correctly.
It’s trusting that compliance is covered.
That’s when landlords stop focusing on the fee and start appreciating the system behind it.
If You’re Comparing Property Management Options
Ask these questions:
How does the company make money beyond the management fee?
Are maintenance costs marked up?
What does leasing really cost?
What happens at renewal time?
Will I still be involved day to day?
Clear answers are a good sign. Vague ones aren’t.
At Linc Property Management, we believe landlords deserve transparency, predictability, and a system that works — not surprises down the road.
If you’re evaluating options or just want to understand what fair pricing looks like for your property, I’m always happy to talk it through.
