The job of a property caretaker is to ensure the safety, cleanliness, and proper maintenance of properties such as residential homes, apartment buildings, community centers, and commercial properties. There is a growing demand for property caretakers, whether employed off-site or as a live-in property caretaker. Their role is to ensure that tenants in the building have a tidy, maintained, and secure living or working space. 

In this article, our team of experts from job aggregator Jooble takes a closer look at the different types of property caretakers, what the job entails, and the qualifications and skills required for the role.

What Is A Property Caretaker?

Property caretakers are paid to look after residential or commercial buildings. Free accommodation on the property may also be included as part of their employment package. Property caretakers are usually employed on a permanent basis, but sometimes also work short-term or seasonally. 

The Difference Between Various Property Caretakers

Before looking for a job in this field, it’s important to know that there are various types of property caretakers. 

Property caretakers are sometimes referred to as property or estate managers, but there is a marked distinction between the two roles. They differ in that caretakers are more involved in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of a property, while property managers oversee the overall administration of the property, employing caretakers to do the work of looking after the property. 

Property/estate managers

Among their administrative duties, a property or estate manager is in charge of making sure that bills are paid, and contracts are signed, among other things. Caretakers report to the property manager if there is one, or directly to the property owner. The caretaker is solely in charge of a single property, whereas the property manager may work for a property management company and be in charge of several properties. Property managers are generally better paid and better qualified than caretakers. 

Commercial property caretakers

Resorts, hotels, and other public facilities often hire commercial caretakers. Commercial property caretakers frequently live off-site but close to the property in their care. Commercial caretakers typically visit schools and historic landmark buildings on a regular basis to make sure that they are well-preserved and in good operating order.

Seasonal property caretaker

Seasonal facilities such as hotels and resorts frequently employ a property caretaker to keep the property in good condition during off-peak seasons. When these facilities are vacant during specific off-season months of the year such as campgrounds and ski lodges, for example, caretakers are employed to provide a physical presence to prevent trespassers, burglars, or vandals. 

House sitters

House sitters are also caretakers. They specialize in taking care of private residences, usually while the owner is away on vacation or business. The caretaker is typically required to reside in the owners’ homes while they are away to dissuade prowlers and burglars and keep the property in good condition. Plant maintenance, mail collection, and a little housekeeping are typically required as part of their job. House sitters are usually hired on a short-term basis.

If you are interested in becoming a property caretaker, you can check out the open couple caretaker jobs on the Jooble website to explore various opportunities in this field.

Typical Day-To-Day Duties Required Of A Property Caretaker

A property caretaker is often required to perform a variety of duties, some of which may include:

• Doing routine maintenance and basic repairs
• Hiring outside contractors for large-scale repairs
• Ensuring that heating, lighting, air-conditioning, and alarm systems are working properly
• Checking that doors and windows are locked when the building is not in use
• Ordering fuel, cleaning supplies, and other necessary supplies
• Supervising cleaning staff where applicable
• Keeping the grounds and buildings in optimum condition
• Ensuring the safety of the property by keeping an eye on entries, alarms, and potential threats
• Collecting rentals if applicable and forwarding the monies to the landlord or property management company
• Coordinating major repairs with contractors 
• Working with outside service providers to schedule maintenance tasks such as pest control
• Preparing reports describing the upkeep of the building and any repairs or concerns found during inspections
• Making sure the property is secure by performing regular inspections
• Informing the property manager or owner of any issues
• Responding to tenant grievances in a prompt and professional manner
• Enforcing the property’s rules and regulations, such as a no-pets policy
• Keeping a thorough record of all transactions/occurrences involving the property

Skills Required To Be A Property Caretaker 

To succeed as a property caretaker you will require the following skills/know-how:

Maintenance

Property caretakers frequently come from a maintenance background, which means they’re better equipped to take care of the property they are responsible for. Building maintenance usually includes plumbing and electrical repairs, as well as some carpentry skills. 

Safety & security

The security of the property is part of the responsibility of the caretaker. This involves understanding how to spot potential threats and how to handle emergencies. The caretaker should be knowledgeable regarding security systems and how to use them, along with knowing how to contact emergency services. 

Customer service

The caretaker needs to be cordial and helpful to the tenants and visitors to the property. Additionally, they ought to be prepared to respond to any inquiries which may arise.

Problem-solving

Property managers frequently face issues that need to be resolved, such as fixing faulty plumbing, electrical systems, or machinery. 

Skills 

Property caretakers require strong practical skills as well as:

• The ability and discipline to work without supervision and use own initiative
• The ability to deal with people
• A thorough attention to detail
• Patience when dealing with complaints 

What You Need To Become A Property Caretaker

Typically, a high school graduation or GED is sufficient to become a property caretaker. However, it will be helpful if you have prior building maintenance, cleaning, plumbing, electrical, or gardening experience. References from previous employers will also go a long way to getting hired.

Some property management companies also frequently provide on-the-job training. This could cover topics like the property’s maintenance schedule, its emergency protocols, and how to operate its facilities and equipment.

Required Qualifications

Some or all of the following qualifications may be required:

• A high school diploma or equivalent 
• A working knowledge of standard maintenance and repair procedures 
• Proven experience as a caretaker, or other equivalent position
• A basic knowledge of carpentry, plumbing, and electrical systems
• A valid driving license
• Certification in HVAC
• Certification for pool maintenance
• Landscaping expertise
• Knowledge of security systems

References & checks

As this is a position of trust and responsibility, you may need to supply solid references that attest to your character and competence, and you may also be required to pass background checks

Outlook & Salary 

Over the next ten years, the employment of property caretakers is expected to increase. 

With time and experience, property caretakers might advance to become supervisors or property managers. Additionally, caretakers might work in similar fields, such as commercial property security or maintenance.

Salaries may differ for property caretakers according to their degree of education and experience, the size of the property they are overseeing, and its location. They might also receive additional benefits such as free housing if they live and work onsite. 

• Median salary (annual): $35,000 
• Top 10% salary (annual): $60,500 

Where To Look For A Property Caretaker Job

If you’re interested in becoming a property caretaker, you can apply for a position directly. At the time of writing, there are over 60,000+ property caretaker Jobs available in the United States, with many listings on the job boards of online platforms such as Jooble.