(314) 202-6274
2309 Thurman Ave A,
Saint Louis, MO 63110
2309 Thurman Ave A,
Saint Louis, MO 63110
Owning rental property in St. Louis can be a rewarding investment, but success isn’t just about collecting rent each month. Long-term performance depends on understanding the numbers behind your property and making decisions backed by data. Tracking the right property management metrics allows landlords to reduce vacancy, protect income, and strengthen returns year after year.
Whether you’re managing a single duplex in South City or a portfolio of rentals across St. Louis, knowing which numbers matter most can make the difference between consistent cash flow and underperforming assets.
Many landlords focus on rent checks and basic expenses, but that only tells part of the story. The most successful property owners use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure efficiency, profitability, and tenant satisfaction.
Metrics provide:
Ignoring these numbers often leads to unnecessary vacancies, hidden losses, and underutilized potential.
One of the most important metrics for any landlord is how often your unit is occupied versus sitting empty.
High vacancy rates are one of the fastest ways to lose money. In a competitive market like St. Louis, where demand varies by neighborhood and season, monitoring vacancy helps you adjust rent, improve marketing, or streamline your make-ready process to fill units faster.
How long does it take you to rent out a property once it’s listed?
Average Days on Market (DOM) is a direct reflection of your marketing strategy and rental readiness. If your units sit on Zillow or Apartments.com for weeks without activity, it may be a sign that:
In St. Louis, where tenants have options from historic flats in Tower Grove to modern lofts downtown, DOM can quickly separate well-prepared landlords from those who lose income waiting for the “right” tenant.
Collecting rent on time is the foundation of cash flow. Tracking your Rent Collection Rate shows what percentage of tenants pay in full and on time each month.
A consistent shortfall may indicate:
Many St. Louis landlords are turning to online rent payment systems to improve collection rates and reduce late payments.
Every time a tenant moves out, landlords face costs: cleaning, repairs, marketing, and lost rent during vacancy. That’s why Tenant Turnover Rate is a critical metric.
High turnover may point to problems with property condition, communication, or rent increases that outpace the local market. On the other hand, strong retention means stable income and fewer make-ready expenses.
In neighborhoods like Shaw or Dutchtown, where community atmosphere is a big draw, landlords who prioritize tenant satisfaction often see much lower turnover rates.
Keeping a property well-maintained is essential, but it’s easy for expenses to spiral without careful tracking.
Monitoring Maintenance and Repair Costs as a percentage of rental income helps landlords spot trends and budget effectively. If repairs consistently eat into profits, it may be time to:
St. Louis properties, especially older brick homes, may need more frequent attention. Tracking these costs ensures you’re not caught off guard.
While gross rent shows top-line income, Net Operating Income (NOI) reveals true profitability.
NOI = Total Rental Income – Operating Expenses (excluding mortgage payments).
This metric helps landlords:
In St. Louis’s diverse market, where property values and rental demand vary by block. NOI is a reliable way to measure financial health across your portfolio.
For investors considering new acquisitions, Cap Rate is one of the most important metrics. It’s calculated by dividing NOI by the property’s purchase price or current value.
Cap Rate helps landlords evaluate whether a property is delivering strong returns relative to its cost. For example, a 4% Cap Rate in a stable neighborhood might be less attractive than a 7% Cap Rate in an up-and-coming area, depending on your risk tolerance.
Tracking Cap Rate across your holdings also helps identify which properties are underperforming compared to the market.
Not every metric is financial. Measuring tenant satisfaction, through surveys, reviews, or renewal rates, provides insights into how your property is perceived.
Happy tenants are more likely to renew leases, take better care of the property, and refer others. In St. Louis communities where word-of-mouth and neighborhood reputation carry weight, tenant experience is a direct driver of long-term stability
Tracking these metrics consistently transforms property management from reactive guesswork into proactive strategy. Instead of asking, “Why am I losing money?” you’ll know exactly where inefficiencies exist and how to correct them.
For St. Louis landlords, that means:
Monitoring these numbers takes time, organization, and the right tools. Many landlords find it challenging to keep up with tracking while also handling day-to-day operations. That’s where professional property management can help.
At Botanical Property Management, we provide landlords across St. Louis with the systems, reporting, and expertise needed to maximize rental performance. From occupancy tracking to NOI analysis, our investor-focused approach ensures you always have a clear view of your property’s financial health.
Whether you own one unit or a growing portfolio, our team can help you minimize vacancy, improve tenant retention, and unlock your property’s full earning potential.
Ready to take the guesswork out of property management? Contact Botanical Property Management today to learn how we help St. Louis landlords track the right metrics and achieve lasting results.