How do I Become a Condominium Manager?

Condominiums, called condos for short, are individually owned apartments. The owners may live in their condominium or they may rent it out to others if the management board or company allows it. A good first step if you want to become a condominium manager is to contact the boards or property companies of different buildings to find out what qualifications they seek.

Different condo boards have varying requirements for their managers, so matching your skills with the needs of each building is crucial if you hope to find work. Also, the compensation varies widely, not only due to differing job duties but depending on whether the position is live-in or not. Buildings that allow condominium owners to lease their suites out to renters often hire a live-in manager. A suite in the building, typically on the first floor, is given to the condo manager rent-free, usually along with paid compensation, in exchange for building and grounds maintenance. If you want to become a condominium manager, you'll have to assess your needs for monetary versus living space compensation.

If you do need or want free rent in exchange for part of your building management work, you may have to be extra convincing of your skills and qualifications to the people doing the hiring, as they may be wary of hiring people who expect to extend minimum effort to get free rent. If you want to become a condominium manager for a particular building's board or company, make sure you get a clearly written contract in which your expected duties are listed in detail along with the exact compensation — such as cash and/or free rent — you'll be getting in return.

Earning and presenting a certificate from a condominium management training course may help hiring personnel see that you have both genuine interest and career skills in the profession. Dressing neatly and speaking in a professional, polite manner can help you make a good impression during interviews if you want to become a condominium manager. You should be able to demonstrate how you'll be able to meet the needs of owners or tenants as well as the condo board or company. If a condominium management firm seems hesitant to hire you full time, you may be able to earn their trust first by starting on a part-time capacity such as by helping with maintenance projects. Property management companies or condo boards may need seasonal project help with yard work, painting or other duties.