At Rappaport, our team of highly collaborative professionals manage and lease more than 160 properties in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. We strive to provide the best experience at our shopping centers and our property managers and lease administrators contribute to the success. With a proactive management style, Rappaport’s portfolio of properties and tenants can be sure that they will always be taken care of. Without further ado, read on to learn a bit more about the jobs of property managers, lease administrators, and what they do to keep Rappaport properties thriving.
What are some of the responsibilities of a Property Manager?
“Property managers have two main roles. First, to maintain the owner’s investment and second, to ensure tenants are complying with the terms of their lease. Managers inspect the property and look at the details… is a light fixture broken, does the parking lot need to be repaired, are the sidewalks clean, et cetera? We create budgets to maintain the property and to address any large projects or enhancements that need to be completed. All of these responsibilities are done in an effort to create a customer-friendly environment for our tenants and their customers while protecting the interests of the owner.”
– Ellen Cleveland, Property Manager
“The Property Manager is the face of the company and is responsible for being the captain of the ship. This means that while others may be tasked with completing various assignments, the ultimate responsibility lies on the Property Manager. They should always be aware of what is going on at their property and be able to jump in to handle anything if needed. They are the main point of contact for clients, tenants, vendors, and customers.”
– Alicia Hayes, Property Manager
What are some of the responsibilities of Lease Administration?
“We oversee and monitor the tenant’s leases, including lease review and abstracting, process annual reconciliation, lease renewal options, monthly billing, lease audits, and monthly reporting. Just to name a few.”
– Aneta Cobbs, Senior Manager of Lease Administration
What are some of the most important factors to consider when adding value to the properties Rappaport manages?
“It’s important to remember owners have selected Rappaport to represent them. Showing professionalism, integrity, fairness, and kindness are crucial to success.”
– Ellen Cleveland, Property Manager
“Community involvement.”
– Aneta Cobbs, Senior Manager of Lease Administration
“One of the most important factors to consider is the goal of the Ownership. Time frame, goal of the owner, and cash flow.”
– Alicia Hayes, Property Manager
Can you provide an example of how you’ve made a positive impact on a property through your client relations?
“I manage one property. When I began almost 8 years ago … [tenants] simply didn’t trust their landlord. It took me a year or two to gain the trust and respect of the tenants. Showing my commitment to the property and being transparent was key!”
– Ellen Cleveland, Property Manager
“One example is when I was able to convince the client to upgrade the curb appeal so that the center would show better when placed on the market for sale.”
– Alicia Hayes, Property Manager
Can you provide an example of when you received great feedback from a client (i.e. Landlord, Asset Manager, Tenant, et cetera) or a testimonial?
“I have heard many new tenants ask current tenants how we are to work with. It makes me happy to hear them say we are easy to work with, responsive, and friendly.”
– Ellen Cleveland, Property Manager
“While an Executive was attending an ICSC convention and was introduced to a 3rd party client, they expressed how much they appreciated the management I provided to their properties.”
– Alicia Hayes, Property Manager
What do you find rewarding about your job?
“I look at this center as my second home and a reflection of me. I have enjoyed watching it evolve through the years, filling up to almost full occupancy, and the improvements to the overall appearance [and] “finishing touches” we have been able to add.”
– Ellen Cleveland, Property Manager
“It’s never a dull moment in Lease Administration. It’s challenging – it’s rewarding and fulfilling when deadlines are met on projects whether it’s individual or with a team member, and the Landlord/Client is pleased.”
– Aneta Cobbs, Senior Manager of Lease Administration
“Every day is different. It is rewarding to assist clients and tenants with being successful and interacting with clients and tenants to assist with understanding their needs at the property.”
– Alicia Hayes, Property Manager
It’s apparent that great properties rely on helpful, diligent, and committed property managers and lease administrators. A vital component of property management and lease administration is quality service and creating positive relationships—this is something that we endeavor to never compromise on with our clients. Rappaport is always going to seek to provide the best service possible and provide for our clients in every way that we can. For this reason, we thank our Property Managers and Lease Administrators for all that they do to consistently keep our properties functioning successfully.
