What do you do if you need to handle conflicts and issues remotely as a property manager?

Technology revolutionizes remote property management, offering smart solutions like IoT sensors, digital payments, and cloud-based platforms for seamless communication and efficient maintenance

Not only should you be pushing for technology, but you should push your tenants to use technology as well. If you are still accepting cash, you are leaving yourself open to many issues. You will definitely upset tenants by pushing for online payments or other forms of non-cash payment, but it will save you tons of time and headache in waiting for the mail or tracking down tenants with their payments. It's much easier to enforce your late payment policies as well when you're doing it online

Stay Updated: Stay informed about the latest technologies, tools, and best practices for remote conflict resolution. As the field of remote work evolves, new tools and techniques may emerge that can enhance your ability to handle conflicts effectively. Sometimes it is easier to ask the parties involved which technology platform are they most familiar with and go from there. By adopting these additional considerations, you can effectively handle conflicts and issues remotely as a property manager, ensuring that all parties feel heard, respected, and supported throughout the resolution process.

To handle conflicts and issues remotely as a property manager: Establish clear communication channels. Practice active listening and provide timely responses. Utilize technology, such as property management software. Conduct virtual inspections when necessary. Empower on-site staff to address issues independently. Document all communication and resolutions. Act as a mediator for conflicts and facilitate resolution. Stay updated on regulations and industry best practices. Seek feedback and continuously improve remote management processes.

Practice active listening and focus on maintaining confidentiality: Respect the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved in the conflict. Ensure that sensitive information is securely handled and only shared on a need-to-know basis. Listen more, speak less. Seek Professional Advice: In complex or legally sensitive conflicts, it may be advisable to consult with legal professionals or industry experts who specialize in property management disputes. Their expertise can provide valuable guidance and help you navigate challenging situations.

One thing I found useful is Listen to all parties involved in the conflict. Encourage them to express their concerns fully and without interruption.Facilitate Communication by Using video calls or conference calls to facilitate discussions between parties. Ensure everyone has the opportunity to speak and be heard.

This is an important tool to get into know the problems faced by clients. Communication should be short specific and understandable in a very clear manner. If communication is a dialogue and not a monologue it help us to reach to a conclusion to resolve the issues

It’s always best to also set a follow up call or meeting with either the resident or the team member. This shows you are committed to the outlined timeline and want to ensure the resolution was delivered to their satisfaction.

Our team works entirely remotely except for our boots on the ground. We have plenty of efficient, quick meetings that have agendas and most importantly we have action items. If there is a task that needs to be done we never say "we" need to do it but instead we say who needs to do it. The person then needs to be very clear on what their task is and how they report it back as completed

Seek to understand the root cause of the conflict. Clarify misunderstandings and identify common ground.communicate and Act as a neutral mediator to help parties find mutually acceptable solutions. Encourage compromise and brainstorming too, allow each individual to communicate, and give clear timelines to resolve issues.

Clearly communicate expectations for behavior and resolution timelines. Ensure all parties understand their roles and responsibilities in resolving the conflict. If the conflict involves legal issues or breaches of contract, seek legal advice to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Mediation: If the conflict involves multiple parties, consider engaging a neutral third-party mediator to facilitate discussions and help find a resolution. Mediation can be conducted remotely through video conferencing platforms, allowing all parties to participate and voice their concerns. Problem-Solving Approach: Adopt a problem-solving approach when addressing conflicts remotely. Encourage all parties involved to focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions rather than taking adversarial positions. Foster open dialogue, brainstorming, and creative problem-solving techniques to reach a resolution.

Use conflict resolution experiences to identify areas for improvement in your management processes. Implement changes to prevent similar conflicts in the future. Always stay on the neutral side and focus on bringing solutions. Do not always be one sided.

It’s best to always be available, whenever possible. Set yourself time aside daily to allow for resident or team interactions. Allow everyone to view your calendar and request meeting times. Try never to decline a requested meeting or reschedule if it is possible. Since your team can’t just walk down the hall to your office, they need to feel you are available when they need you.

Working remotely has pushed us onto WhatsApp. I hated using emojis but now they go a long way. A simple thumbs up or a thank you symbol or a smile or a lacer face really helps keep a connection going. Those emojis send a lot of signals and if you're not using them, you're not communicating that you have received a message from people. Pick up that habit of at least a thumbs up going forward so that team members who sent A message and gave you an update know that you have acknowledged that update. If they don't feel their work is valuable enough for you to even read it and they're going to stop feeling valuable and stop working for you in a valuable way.

Check in regularly to ensure that resolutions are being implemented and that the conflict has been effectively resolved. Address any lingering issues promptly.Provide Support: Offer support and resources to help parties navigate the resolution process. This could include counseling services or referrals to relevant community resources.