What differentiates a landlord from a property manager?

A landlord is the legal owner of a property who rents or leases it to tenants in exchange for rent payments. Landlords are responsible for property maintenance, ensuring compliance with rental laws, and handling tenant issues such as repairs and lease agreements. They own the property and typically manage it themselves or through a property management company. In contrast, a property manager is a hired professional or company responsible for managing real estate properties on behalf of the owner, whether an individual or an entity. Property managers oversee day-to-day operations, including tenant selection, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement. They act as intermediaries between landlords and tenants, handling administrative tasks and ensuring that the property operates smoothly and profitably.