A Day in the Life of a Commercial Property Manager
By Emily Revet, Sentia Real Estate
When people ask me what I do as a commercial property manager, the truth is — no two days are ever quite the same. At Sentia Real Estate, we manage a diverse portfolio across Canberra and the surrounding region, and that means balancing the needs of tenants, owners, trades, and contractors — all while keeping our properties running smoothly and professionally.
Here’s a look inside a typical day (if such a thing exists!) as a commercial property manager.
My day usually starts with a check of my inbox. Overnight, there may be maintenance requests, updates from contractors, or emails from tenants who need clarification on lease terms or operating hours. I prioritise urgent matters — such as essential services, arrears, or safety concerns — before heading out to inspections.
Inspections are a critical part of the job, and I conduct them regularly. For retail and service businesses, it’s all about timing. I always liaise with tenants to arrange inspection windows that won’t disrupt their trading hours or customer flow. For example, I’ll inspect a beauty salon before their first client of the day or a café during their lull between breakfast and lunch.
These inspections help ensure properties are well-maintained and compliant. I also take this opportunity to check in with tenants face-to-face, which helps foster trust and keeps communication lines open.
Back at the office (or from the car between inspections), I’ll jump into our maintenance platform to review outstanding jobs. Whether it’s a leaking roof, air conditioning failure, or an electrical issue, it’s my job to coordinate trades, gain approvals from owners, and ensure minimal disruption to tenants’ operations.
I often find myself negotiating schedules — making sure the plumber visits after-hours for a medical clinic, or a shopfront repair takes place on a tenant’s quietest trading day.
I spend a good portion of the day negotiating lease renewals and preparing documentation. Renewals can involve renegotiating terms, discussing rent adjustments, or structuring incentives that work for both tenant and owner. It’s a delicate balance, and the goal is always the same: secure long-term occupancy while protecting the asset’s value.
At Sentia, we work closely with our owners to help them achieve their long-term goals. That means regular reporting — not just on rent collection and outgoings, but on tenant performance, maintenance planning, lease expiry profiles, and more.
Many of our clients are busy professionals or investors who want hands-on service without having to chase us. I make sure they’re kept informed and confident that their property is in good hands.
Before the day wraps, I always check arrears. Staying on top of rent collection is key to cash flow, so I proactively contact tenants if they’ve fallen behind, understand what’s going on, and work to resolve issues quickly. Prevention is always better than cure.
Before I log off for the day, I prep for tomorrow — planning inspections, following up on jobs in progress, and reviewing lease timelines. Organisation is everything in this role, and staying one step ahead is part of what makes our management offering at Sentia so effective.
Being a commercial property manager is about so much more than ticking boxes. It’s about relationships. It’s about making sure tenants feel supported and valued, and that our clients know their investments are being looked after with care and strategy.
It’s a role that requires patience, flexibility, empathy — and a very good diary system! But most of all, it’s incredibly rewarding. Helping our clients succeed while creating environments where businesses can thrive is what drives me every day.
If you're looking for experienced, proactive property management in Canberra or surrounds, I’d love to help.
— Emily Revet
Commercial Property Manager, Sentia Real Estate