Getting started is simpler than you'd expect
Handing over your building is a big decision, so we keep the process clear and low-pressure. There's no obligation to start, no confusing paperwork, and no long wait to see results. Below is exactly what happens from your first conversation to your first owner statement — the timeline, the documents, and what you can expect at each step.
Yak Management is a boutique, principal-led firm serving Brooklyn and greater NYC, with deep experience in rent-stabilized and subsidized buildings. When you onboard with us, you deal with the people who actually run your property — not a call center.
Step 1: Schedule a property consultation
Everything starts with a conversation and a property consultation. Tell us about your building — where it is, how many units, whether any are rent-stabilized or subsidized, and what's working or frustrating you today.
We'll review your property and show you:
- What your units should be renting for in today's market
- Where you may be leaving money on the table or exposed to compliance risk
- How our management works and what's included
This step is free and carries no obligation. If we're a fit, we move forward.
Step 2: Review the agreement and pricing
Next, we walk you through our management agreement and pricing so you know exactly what you're getting and what it costs — no surprises and no hidden fees. We'll answer your questions, tailor the scope to your building, and make sure the numbers make sense for your goals.
Once you're comfortable, you sign the management agreement. That's the green light to begin onboarding.
Step 3: Gather your documents
To manage your building well, we need an accurate picture of it. Most owners provide:
- Leases and rent roll — current lease agreements and a list of tenants, rents, and lease dates
- Tenant contact information — names, phone numbers, and emails
- Rent-stabilization records — DHCR registrations, lease riders, and rent history for stabilized units
- HPD registration — your current property registration and any open violations
- Building insurance — your landlord policy and agent contact
- Vendor and utility accounts — existing service providers, boiler/heating info, and account numbers
- Keys and access — unit, common-area, and mechanical-room access
Missing something? It happens constantly, especially with buildings that have changed hands or managers. We'll help you track down records or rebuild them — including HPD registration and DHCR filings that owners often overlook.
Step 4: We set up your building
With your agreement signed, we build your property in AppFolio, the platform that powers your reporting, rent collection, and maintenance. During setup we:
- Create your secure owner portal for real-time financials and documents
- Load leases, tenants, and rent-stabilized details into the system
- Set up online rent payment and a tenant portal for your residents
- Review your building's compliance status and flag anything that needs attention
- Line up trusted vendors so maintenance and emergencies are covered from day one
Step 5: We notify tenants and take over
We introduce ourselves to your residents in writing, explain how to pay rent and submit maintenance requests, and become their point of contact. Tenants hear back within 24 hours; you hear from us same-day whenever possible.
If any units are vacant, our brokerage-grade leasing engine — built from our roots at sister brokerage Pear NYC — goes to work immediately, often filling apartments in under seven days.
What to expect after onboarding
Once you're live, management becomes something you barely have to think about. You'll get:
- Transparent reporting through your AppFolio owner portal, so you always know how your building is performing
- Reliable rent collection and clear monthly statements
- Fast maintenance triaged by urgency, with immediate emergency response
- Ongoing compliance — HPD, rent stabilization, Fair Housing, and heat/hot-water requirements handled proactively
- Real communication from the people running your property
Owners who switch to us consistently report better communication, faster maintenance, and stronger tenant relationships than they had before.
Ready to start?
The first step is easy and free.
Have more questions first? Our owner FAQs cover the details, or explore everything we do for owners.