Property management in Northern Virginia typically costs 8–10% of monthly rent, plus a one-time leasing fee of roughly half to one month's rent. Century 21 Accent Homes uses a flat $350/month instead — the same price no matter your rent — with no long-term contract. Below is how the common fee structures compare and which fees to watch for.
How much does a property manager charge in Northern Virginia?
Most Northern Virginia property managers charge one of two ways: a percentage of monthly rent (commonly 8–10%) or a flat monthly fee. On a $2,500/month rental, a 10% fee is $250/month and rises as your rent rises. A flat fee stays the same regardless of rent — at Century 21 Accent Homes that flat rate is $350/month, and there is no percentage markup and no long-term contract.
On top of the monthly fee, expect a one-time leasing fee when a new tenant is placed. Everything else should be disclosed up front — and the fees that aren't are where owners get surprised.
Common property management fee structures
| Fee | How it works | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly management | % of collected rent or a flat fee | 8–10% or flat $350/mo |
| Leasing / tenant placement | One-time, when a new tenant is placed | 50–100% of one month's rent |
| Lease renewal | Charged when an existing tenant renews | $0–$300 |
| Maintenance markup | Some managers add a % to every repair | 0–10% (we charge 0) |
| Setup / onboarding | One-time account setup | $0–$300 |
Percentage fee vs. flat fee: which is better?
A percentage fee scales with your rent, so the more your property earns, the more you pay — and a manager's fee grows even if their work doesn't. A flat fee is predictable and rewards higher-rent properties, since the cost of managing a $3,500 home is essentially the same as a $2,000 one.
Flat fee: predictable monthly cost, better value on higher-rent homes, easier to budget.
Percentage fee: lower on inexpensive units, but rises with rent and can obscure the true annual cost.
What hidden property management fees should you watch for?
Ask any manager to disclose these before signing:
- Maintenance markups — a percentage added to every repair invoice
- Marketing or advertising fees billed separately from leasing
- "Administrative" or technology fees layered on monthly
- Vacancy fees charged while the unit is empty
- Lease-renewal and inspection fees not mentioned up front
What's included with Century 21 Accent Homes?
Our flat $350/month covers full-service management — marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, inspections, and owner accounting — with no percentage of rent and no maintenance markup. It is backed by six written guarantees, including a 21-Day Lease Guarantee, and there is no long-term contract.
Frequently asked questions
How much does property management cost in Northern Virginia? Typically 8–10% of monthly rent plus a one-time leasing fee. Century 21 Accent Homes charges a flat $350/month with no percentage of rent and no long-term contract.
Is a flat fee or a percentage fee better? A flat fee is more predictable and usually a better value on higher-rent homes; a percentage fee can be lower on inexpensive units but rises with your rent.
Are there hidden property management fees? There can be — common ones include maintenance markups, separate marketing fees, and monthly "admin" fees. Always ask for a full fee schedule in writing before signing.
Family-owned property management company serving Northern Virginia since 1972. NARPM member, NVAR member, and National Association of Realtors® member with over 50 years of experience managing residential rental properties.