How much do property managers charge in Auckland?

By the Manage For You team · Updated October 2026

Short answer: many Auckland property managers charge a management fee of roughly 8% to 10% of the rent collected, plus GST, and a letting fee of about one week's rent plus GST when they find a new tenant. Some add separate charges for inspections, admin or maintenance. Manage For You charges 5% + GST on our Essential plan with inspections charged separately, or 7% + GST on Complete with inspections included.

The management fee

This is the ongoing fee for managing the tenancy, usually a percentage of the rent the manager actually collects. If the property is vacant or the tenant doesn't pay, a percentage-based fee should drop to zero for that period. Check that this is how your manager's fee works. Some charge a flat weekly or monthly amount whether or not rent comes in.

Percentages vary with the size of the company, the area and what's included. A lower percentage isn't better if it comes with extra charges for things others include.

The letting fee

Charged when the manager finds a new tenant: marketing, viewings, checks, the tenancy agreement and the bond. It's usually around one week's rent plus GST. Since December 2018, letting fees can only be charged to the landlord, never the tenant.

Extras to look for

• Inspection fees. Some managers charge for each routine inspection.
• Maintenance margins. A percentage added on top of tradespeople's invoices.
• Admin, statement or account fees. Monthly or annual charges for paperwork.
• Tenancy Tribunal fees. Charges for preparing applications or attending hearings.
• Advertising and photography. Sometimes charged on top of the letting fee.
• Renewal fees. Charged when an existing tenant signs a new fixed term.
• Exit fees or long notice periods. Check what it costs to leave.

A worked example

Take a three-bedroom house in Henderson renting for $600 a week, the median for bonds lodged between March and August 2026. Over a year that's $31,200 in rent.

At 9% + GST, the management fee would be $3,229 including GST. At 5% + GST plus four inspections at $49 + GST, it's $2,019. At 7% + GST with inspections included, it's $2,512. Maintenance fees come on top in each case and depend on how much work the property needs. These are illustrative figures: always compare written quotes.

How to compare managers

Ask each manager for a written list of every fee you could be charged in a year, and what's included. Ask how often they inspect, whether you get photos, how quickly they reply, and who your day-to-day contact will be. Then compare the total cost against the service, not just the percentage.

Property management fees are generally tax-deductible against rental income, which reduces the real cost. Your accountant can confirm how this applies to you.

Common questions