ROLE SUMMARY  We are seeking a proactive, resilient, and student-focused Property Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of a student residence building. The primary objective is to maintain a safe, conducive, and vibrant living environment that supports academic success. This role blends traditional property management with hospitality, tenant relations, and strict adherence to South African rental and safety regulations. Key Responsibilities   Operational & Facilities Management  Manage all maintenance requests via a ticketing system (e.g., MRI, Yardi, or similar), ensuring emergency repairs (plumbing, electrical, security) are resolved within 24 hours.  Conduct weekly and monthly property inspections (common areas, kitchens, bathrooms, and vacant units).  Oversee outsourced service providers: cleaning staff, waste removal, landscaping, and pest control.  Ensure critical equipment (geysers, prepaid meters, backup water tanks, generators/inverters) is serviced and functional.  Student Leasing & Administration  Drive the annual bed rental cycle: showings, applications, lease signings (including Rental Housing Act compliant leases).  Manage online student application portals and liaise with university accommodation offices.  Enforce lease terms: late payment penalties, visitor policies, noise regulations, and damage recovery. Prepare and serve required notices: breach of contract, lease non-renewal, and eviction notices (in coordination with legal counsel).  Financial Management  Achieve monthly rental collection targets (minimising arrears, typical in student market).  Manage utility recoveries (water, electricity, refuse) – ensuring sub-metering or ratio billing is compliant with the Property Practitioners Act.  Control operational expenditure (OPEX) against budget; approve small works up to a set limit. Prepare monthly income/expense reports and variance analysis.  Student Life & Conflict Resolution Act as primary on-site contact for student residents, parents, and university liaison officers.  Implement and enforce the House Rules (quiet hours, guest policies, curfews where applicable).  Mediate roommate disputes, noise complaints, and cleanliness issues.  Coordinate orientation events, safety workshops, and end-of-year vacating procedures. Health, Safety & Compliance (Critical for Student Housing)  Ensure full compliance with the South African National Standard (SANS 10400) for building safety.  Maintain fire equipment (extinguishers, hose reels, smoke detectors) with monthly checks and annual certification.  Implement and drill the Emergency Action Plan (fire, flood, intruder).  Manage COA (Certificate of Acceptability) for any communal kitchens; ensure compliance with municipal by-laws.  Maintain POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) compliance regarding student data.  Required Qualifications & Experience  Education: Diploma or Degree in Property Management, Real Estate, Business Administration, or Hospitality Management.  Experience: Minimum 3–5 years in property management, with at least 1 year specifically in student accommodation, multi-unit residential, or a busy hostel environment.  Legal Knowledge: Working knowledge of the Rental Housing Act, Sectional Titles Act (if applicable), Consumer Protection Act (impact on lease terms), and local municipal bylaws.  Systems Proficiency: Experience with property management software (PMS), CRM tools, and basic Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP's).  Must have own reliable transport and a valid Code 8 driver’s license.  Key Competencies & Attributes  Crisis management: Remains calm and decisive during after-hours emergencies (burst geyser, power failure, student altercation).  Student-centric mindset: Understands the unique needs of young adults (often first-time renters) while balancing business discipline.  Assertive & fair: Ability to enforce rules and collect arrears without escalating conflict unnecessarily. Excellent communicator: Clear in English (written/spoken); additional South African languages (isiZulu, Afrikaans, Sesotho) are a strong advantage.  Technologically agile: Able to manage app-based maintenance, digital leases, and online payment portals.