If you own a house, portion, flat or shop in Lahore and want rental income without the daily work, full rental management is the service to look for. The manager acts as your representative from first viewing to final handover.
What's included
| Area | Typical scope |
|---|---|
| Letting | Rent advice, photos, advertising, viewings, tenant screening |
| Legal setup | Written tenancy agreement, presentation to Rent Registrar, police tenant registration |
| Move-in | Inventory list, meter readings, photo record, key handover |
| Rent | Monthly collection, receipts, follow-up on late payment |
| Utilities | Checking that tenants pay electricity, gas and water bills on time |
| Maintenance | Routine and emergency repairs within an agreed spending limit |
| Inspections | Periodic visits with photo reports |
| Renewal and exit | Renewal terms, rent increase as per agreement, move-out inspection, deposit settlement |
| Reporting | Monthly statement of rent, expenses and balance |
When you need it
- You have a job or business that leaves no time for tenants
- You own several rented units
- You live outside Lahore or abroad
- A previous tenancy went badly and you want a professional process
Step-by-step process
- Property assessment. The manager visits, notes condition and suggests repairs before letting.
- Management agreement. Sets services, fees, spending limits, reporting and notice period for ending the contract.
- Preparation. Cleaning, minor repairs, utility bills cleared.
- Letting. Advertising and viewings. Shortlisted tenants are screened.
- Tenancy agreement. Must be in writing and should state rent, rate of increase, payment terms, period, and any advance or security (Punjab Rented Premises Act, 2009, sections 5 and 6).
- Rent Registrar. The landlord presents the agreement; the Registrar records it and returns the sealed original (section 5).
- Police registration. Owner, property and tenant details recorded at the police station or Police Khidmat Markaz, free of charge (Lahore Police).
- Move-in. Inventory, meter readings and photos signed by the tenant.
- Monthly management. Rent collection, statements, repairs.
- Renewal or exit. Inspection, deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear, deposit return.
Approvals and documents
- Owner's CNIC (copy and original for police registration)
- Tenant's CNIC and photograph
- Signed tenancy agreement
- Affidavit for police registration (Lahore Police)
- Proof of ownership (registry, transfer letter or allotment)
- Recent utility bills
- Power of attorney if the manager signs on your behalf
Skipping registration carries a cost: if a tenancy does not conform to the Act, the Rent Tribunal will not hear a landlord's case unless the landlord pays a fine of 10% of the annual rent value (section 9). Source: Punjab Rented Premises Act, 2009.
What affects the cost
- Fee basis: percentage of rent, fixed monthly fee, or per task
- Property type and size, and the number of units
- Whether repairs supervision and legal notices are included
- Frequency of inspections and reports
- Whether the owner is overseas, which usually means more reporting and representation
- Letting fee for each new tenant
Ask each company for a written fee schedule covering all of the above.
Questions to ask the manager
- Where does the rent go: directly to my account or through yours?
- What repairs can you approve without asking me, and up to what amount?
- How do you screen tenants, and can I see the file before approval?
- Do you handle Rent Registrar and police registration as standard?
- How often will you inspect, and what will the report include?
- Who pays for legal notices or court work if a tenant defaults?
- How do I end the management agreement?
Red flags
- Rent collected in cash without receipts
- No itemised monthly statement
- Agreements left unregistered
- Large repair bills without photos or invoices
- Manager reluctant to share tenant documents with you
FAQs
Who keeps the security deposit? It depends on your management agreement. Many owners prefer it held in their own account. The amount should be written into the tenancy agreement (section 6(1)(g)).
Can the rent be increased every year? Only as agreed. The Act requires the agreement to state the rate of enhancement but sets no default rate (section 6(1)(d)).
What if the tenant damages the property? The tenant must keep the premises in the condition let, apart from normal wear and tear (section 13). The manager documents damage and deducts or claims costs as per the agreement.
Can I visit my property during a tenancy? Yes, with reasonable notice to the tenant (section 12(2)(b)).
This page is general information; confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you act.