A Week in the Life of Aayushi Thakore, Property Manager

I’m a Property Manager in Ringley’s Una Living, multi-family'>BTR and Leasing team, looking after maintenance and lettings at Springfield Parkside, as well as supporting other sites and properties across London.

What I enjoy most is knowing that something I’ve done can make a difference to someone’s everyday life. Whether that’s helping somebody find their first home or resolving a maintenance issue that’s been frustrating a resident, it’s the people side of the job that makes it rewarding.

Monday

Monday starts with a little time to myself before the working week gets going. If I'm travelling into the office, I like to read on the train and resist the temptation to check my work phone before arriving. If I'm driving to a site, I have a playlist ready and sometimes take the longer route just to enjoy the music.

Once I arrive, a cup of tea comes first, followed by my work phone, which can be particularly lively after the weekend! I work through residents' messages, prioritise anything urgent and get fresh property adverts online to generate enquiries for the week ahead.

A big part of my job is keeping our properties occupied, but it’s about finding the right home for people too. Springfield Parkside attracts lots of young couples renting for the first time, and I’ve noticed a surprising number of enquiries from professionals moving over from New Zealand. I’ve even started tailoring some adverts towards people relocating from abroad.

Tuesday

Tuesday is often about viewings and progressing applications. I speak to prospective residents about their budgets, moving dates and what they’re looking for before arranging a viewing.

One of my favourite memories is showing two best friends, Rakhee and Shirin, around a flat. They were clearly trying to hide how much they liked it, hoping they might negotiate a lower rent. Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t stop smiling! They ended up paying the holding fee before they’d even left the living room.

Once someone reserves a property, there’s referencing to complete, documents to chase and payments to arrange before move-in. It can take time, particularly when applicants are slow to provide information, but handing over the keys makes it worthwhile.

Wednesday

Wednesday is usually my opportunity to tackle the less visible work, from outstanding energy bills and electrical safety reports to renewals and arrears. I’ll also contact new enquiries and arrange more viewings.

Of course, maintenance issues can quickly change the plan. A leak might mean heading straight to a site, while a difficult resident issue can require careful conversations and information gathering.

I once received a panicked call from a tenant convinced they had a major electrical fault because their flat had no electricity. They didn’t want to check the fuse box themselves in case it was something serious, so I visited to investigate. It turned out they'd accidentally switched off the mains in their utility cupboard. One flick of the switch and everything was working again. They went bright red when I showed them what had happened!

Not every maintenance visit is quite what I expect. A resident at Springfield once asked me to use the management keys to check her extractor fan. I knocked and entered, only to find her husband fast asleep on the sofa in his boxers. He was understandably startled!

When I explained that his wife had asked me to visit, he confessed he'd called in sick to spend the day watching television and relaxing. His only request was that I didn't tell his wife. I assured him his secret was safe with me. Since then, I've become particularly enthusiastic about knocking before entering, just in case there are any more hidden husbands!

There are more serious challenges too. We took over management of a building in Croydon. The previous landlord hadn’t kept on top of things and residents had been dealing with longstanding maintenance and leaseholders'>building safety problems. So we went door to door introducing ourselves to residents. Over the following months, tenants told us they finally had working hot water, rooms without mould and a better place to live. Those are the moments that remind me why the work matters.

Thursday

Thursday is usually my busiest day on site, with viewings, check-in inventories and check-outs. I also consider Thursdays my luckiest day, so if I have several viewings to arrange, that’s when I like to book them!

I genuinely love showing people around their potential new homes. There’s something lovely about watching someone explore a flat and realise they can picture themselves living there.

When I’m in the office, lunch is usually a Tesco meal deal. Fortunately, several colleagues are equally hopeless at meal prep, so I normally have company on the walk. Once a week, I treat myself to something warm from Pedro’s café instead.

Friday

Friday is about getting everything into a good position for the weekend. I close off maintenance jobs that can’t wait, deal with outstanding priorities and refresh the property adverts ready for the next round of enquiries.

I recently received a lovely message from a Springfield tenant thanking me for being "the best" and inviting me over for tea and cakes next time I'm there. I always maintain professional boundaries, so I wouldn't take them up on the invitation, but knowing someone appreciates what we do really means a lot.

Friday evenings are firmly reserved for friends, whether that’s dinner out or spending time together at someone’s house. Personally, I’d happily make karaoke a weekly tradition!

Reading on my journey home helps me switch off, and I try to fit in three walks around my local park each week. Sundays are my reset days, with chores, laundry and a little self-care before Monday comes around again.

For me, a good week is one where residents are happy, maintenance issues have moved forward and someone has found a home they're excited about. And if I've managed to solve an electrical emergency with one switch, or avoid surprising another husband in his boxers, that's a bonus!