this is property 809 landlord mistakes, choosing a property manager & supporting DV survivors into rentals
Mar 10, 2026
Laura Valenti, managing director at McGrath North Lakes and REIQ board director with 20+ years in property management. She reveals behind-the-scenes realities of running a large property management team. Short takes cover choosing the right manager, local vs centralised services, inspection and vacancy trends, and a project helping domestic violence survivors access rentals.
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Prioritise Experienced Property Managers
- Do prioritise staff recruitment, training and retention because experienced property managers reduce costly mistakes and improve service.
- Laura hired and inducted 28 people in one year after COVID churn and stresses that experience cannot be quickly replaced.
Legislation Should Drive Property Decisions
- Legislation drives every property management decision, so compliance must trump short-term owner preferences.
- Laura structures processes and technology so all staff apply laws and procedures consistently across 1,400+ properties.
Set Aside A Maintenance Reserve
- Do budget for regular maintenance and hold a dedicated reserve so repairs are done promptly and you avoid compensation claims.
- Laura warns a broken dishwasher or hot water can trigger tenant compensation if landlords delay repairs.