Management Company Structure---How many proeprtie per regional?

Our company is experiencing growth in our multi-family division. We are just under 2200 units with 15 locations in two states. We have market rate, mixed use as well as Section 42. We currently operate with a single General Manager who oversees the portfolio. As we look to expand, I would like to see how other companies structure their management. We are lookign to have someone over the LIHTC portion as a Regional Manager, but are open to learning about other company structures. How many properties or unit per Regional Manager? Who do they report to? Other responsibilities? Please share!

Apologize for the typo!

We currently have 5500 units and 5 regional managers that report to the Chief Operating Officer. Currently we have two projects under development and these will be divided out to current staff. We would not add another regional until another 1000 units were picked up. Each regional has about 1100 units, some travel and some do not. We also have two property management coordinators that assist with reporting, software, administrative functions.

As a Regional I think it should be based on the individuals capability. What they can handle and still give quality work.

I agree ^

Some regionals have 3000 and more units! And some properties NEVER see the regional because of their work load! I agree that some folks can handle more than others.
In small companies the RPM may report to the owner.

I think there are other things to consider as well. Are the properties distressed? They usually take more hands on time from everyone. More reports, more training, more everything! So you might need additional staff.

Tax Credit properties may need a 'compliance specialist' because of the amount of paperwork, regulations and audits.

How experienced is the site staff? If they are well seasoned, they need less support for a RPM.

I am very interested in this post. We are a small regional student housing group and current the properties are all supervised directly by the owners. We continue to grow and are in the cusp of needing a dedicated regional supervisor. Any suggestions. We are just over 1,300 beds.

Kelly, Student properties may need more on site staff at certain times of the year and because of more resident activities. As far as the need for a RPM, in my opinion, that would be determined by the number of buildings (not beds) and locations and how many hours the owner wants to devote to operations. Ones life needs to be balanced.

Hi Renea,

I think this is a great question that many companies have challenges with. As a former Regional Manager and now owner of my own company, it has been my experience that the Regional Manager role needs to be defined properly. A true Regional Manager oversees a Region, with District Manager's servicing each sub-market. I believe a good District Manager can effectively manage approximately 5-6 sites upto 1000 units, anything above that will not be effective. A Regional Manager should be established once reaching approximately 3-4 District Managers and the Regional can, but not required to have its own small portfolio reporting to them directly. Just my recommendation.

Thanks,
Pedro