A landlord with a four-property portfolio wants to switch agents. He's at his desk now, ready to sign, but says he can't deal with print-scan-email — he'll do it next week if it's that complicated.
Next week is six tenants chasing the previous agent for keys. Sign him tonight.
Have a clean template ready
Your management agreement should be a maintained PDF template, not a Word doc you rebuild each time. Standard clauses, agency commission rates, notice periods, and indemnities locked. Customise only the landlord's details, property addresses, and any special terms. Convert from Word once and reuse for every landlord.
Send for signature
Use sign PDF to drop signature fields and email the link. The landlord signs from his phone — name, signature, date, on the pages you've marked. The signed PDF and audit trail land in your inbox. Compared to print-sign-scan, the whole thing takes under fifteen minutes from his side.
Include schedules
A complete management agreement includes the property schedule (addresses, rent levels, deposits) and any specific terms negotiated with this landlord. Use merge PDF to combine the main agreement and schedules into one execution pack. One file, one signing flow, one signed copy to keep.
Onboard immediately
Once signed, kick off onboarding the same evening. Request keys, set up rent collection, schedule the inventory check. The landlord's switching decision is most enthusiastic in the first 48 hours; a slow start makes him second-guess. The signed agreement should trigger a checklist of onboarding steps that complete within a week.
FAQ
Are management agreements enforceable when e-signed?
Yes — they're commercial contracts and electronic signatures are fully valid. The audit trail strengthens enforceability if disputes arise.
Should each property have a separate agreement?
Usually no — one umbrella agreement with a property schedule listing each address is cleaner. The schedule can be updated as the landlord adds or sells properties.
What if the landlord wants to negotiate terms?
Negotiate in Word, then convert the final to PDF for signing. Never negotiate in the signing flow itself.
How long should the signed agreement be retained?
For the life of the engagement plus the agency's retention policy — typically six years from termination.
Onboard a landlord tonight. Send the management agreement via Flint and the keys are in your office on Monday.