Kanav Arora
Real Estate2 min read

The NRI's Guide to Remote Property Management (SOP)

Kanav Arora
Kanav Arora
Real Estate Investor
Laptop showing property dashboard and keys

The Direct Answer

Do not rely on friends or relatives. It strains relationships. Hire a Professional Property Management Company (PMC) or a local broker on a retainer. The fee (typically 15 days' rent per year) is worth the peace of mind. Your SOP should require Monthly Digital Inspections (video call walk-throughs) and proper Police Verification of tenants to avoid squatting risks.

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The 'Leave & License' Shield

Never sign a "Tenancy Agreement" or "Lease". In India, always sign a "Leave and License Agreement". It gives the tenant no rights to the property ownership and makes eviction significantly easier legally. Register this agreement with the government; don't just notarize it.


The Remote Management Checklist

1. Rent Collection

  • Automate: Set up NACH (Auto-debit) mandates for the tenant.
  • Account: Ensure rent goes to your NRO Account specifically.

2. Repairs & Maintenance

  • The "Minor/Major" Clause: Define in the agreement that repairs under ₹5,000 are tenant's responsibility. Above that, landlord pays.
  • Vendor List: Have a trusted plumber/electrician on WhatsApp. Do not let the tenant pick the vendor (they will overcharge you).

3. Inspections

  • Frequency: Once every 6 months.
  • Method: If you don't have a PMC, ask a friend to visit just to "collect mail" and verify the condition.

4. Utility Bills

  • Electricity/Water: Tenant pays.
  • Maintenance: Landlord pays (usually included in rent). Check the society app (MyGate) remotely to ensure bills aren't piling up.
Kanav Arora

Kanav Arora

Real Estate Investor

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