Problems Of Property Management And Solutions

1.1 INTRODUCTION
Property management to a non – Professional Estate agent entails mere collection rent.
Real property management goes beyond mere collection of rent. A property manger gets involved with managerial problem solving and decision making. He also performs several activities and tasks involving planning, organising, directing and controlling with respect to the portfolio of real estate assets being managed on behalf of his clients.
This is important since one of the features of real property that distinguishes it from other investment media is its requirement to be managed.
Because of the increasing pace of technological development or innovations resulting particularly in the construction of high rise and high technological structures in our cities, there is need for a trained manager who is able to cope effectively and efficiently with management problems arising from the latter.
Multi – tenanted properties such as office blocks and residential houses present the greatest management challenge to the surveyor.
The author’s experience of non-challant attitude of a good number of property investors regarding the management of the property prompted the choice of this topic

1.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The study will examine the problems of property management, and proffer solutions towards rectifying these problems

1.3 SCOPE
This project will be limited to a few selected property in Abuja metropole, which includes.
1. Shelter House
2. Alaji M.D. shitus property on Plot 801 Malumfashi Close Area 11, Gariki Abuja
3. C.O.C. Enterprises property in Karmo, Abuja
4. Mrs. Nwankwo’s property on Plot 118 Tunis Street Zone 6 Wuse, Abuja

1.4 STUDY METHODOLOGY
This study is based on data collected by the following methods
1. Primary method
2. Secondary method
Primary Method: Primary data collection involves the distribution of questionnaires among some practicing Estate surveyor value’s as well as some land lords.
It involves the personal interview of professional.
Secondary Method: Secondary data are those collected from previously published works (e.g.) Journals, newspapers, magazines etc.

1.5 DEFINTIION OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Michael Thorncraft defined property management as the direction and supervision of an interest in landed property with the aim of securing the optimum return. This return, which may not always be financial may also be in the form of social benefit, status, prestige, political strength etc.
John P. Macey and Charles Baker defined property management as the application of skill in caring for property. Its surrounding and amenities, and in developing a sound relationship between tenants themselves, in order that the Estate, as well as t he individual house may give the fullest value to both the land lord and the tenants, from the land lords point of view it is desirable that the property should be efficiently and economically maintained and managed as much as possible, while from the tenants point of view, the house should provide a home, the focal point of full and happy life for the family.

1.6 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT APPROACH
There are two types of property management approaches used in this study.
(i) Active management approach
(ii) Passive management approach
Active management approach: This type of management encompasses both long term and short time strategies. This involves constant attempt by the property manager is involved in all issues concerning improvement maintenance, repairs, conversion, extension, of e property etc. The advantage of this system of management is that it enables the property manager to be aware of all problems concerning the property. Since his attention is required at any time matters regarding the property comes up. This provides him with an opportunity to asses the state of the property and determine all necessary actions needed t obtain maximum return.
It also makes it possible for the manger to detect defects, and remedy them at an early stage to prevent it from degenerating into a more complex one, there by prolonging the life of the property.
Passive Management Approach
This is a system of management where the manager takes little or no part in the management of the property.
This approach has a disadvantage especially in a situation where the tenant exhibits a non – chalalant attitude towards the maintenance of he property, the property manager may also loose grip of what goes on in ht e property and may discover the damage done to the property when it is already later and require more funds to undertake repairs.