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Durham Property Management
Let us manage your Durham Rental Property
Having a successful rental property requires a lot of time, effort, experience and knowledge. Let us save you that time, effort and frustration that comes with gaining that experience.
As a full service property management company, our team is responsible for taking care of all aspects of managing your rental(s).
How much rent can you get for your investment?
Our market analysis helps landlords and us make data-informed decisions about their rental property, including rate estimates and other information so they can invest and manage their investment property more wisely.
- Get Optimized Rental Value for Your Property
- Gain Crucial Insight into Current Market Conditions
- Determine Your Cashflow from Monthly Rental Value
Get In Touch With Us
Owner or Renter?
Why Hire Us Vs. Self-Managing
You’ll make more money – and spend less time maintaining your investment.
Some people assume that property management is expensive - but that’s not the case at all. You will actually make more money in the long run due to better quality tenants that stay longer and less damage or repairs to deal with.
Eliminate the constant run around & stress.
It is a full time job dealing with repairs, complaints, collecting rent and coordinating vendors. Transferring these responsibilities to a good property manager allows you to enjoy the benefits without spending all your free time working.
Better screening process = better tenants.
Because of our application tools and extensive resources, we can screen more tenants, and with more filters, ensuring you get the best renter for your investment. We often have a waiting list of potential renters and our eviction rate is extremely low.
Free ConsultSeamless Property Management...
Marketing
Marketing is key to successful rentals. We provide an expert market analysis for each property we manage to maximize your return on investment.
Tenant Screening
We conduct extensive screening on all tenants and handle every aspect of getting your investment rented in the shortest time possible.
Rent Collection
We make sure you get paid on time, every time. You no longer have to worry about rent showing up in your bank account.
Maintenance
We conduct inspections upon move-in and move-out and ensure all maintenance issues are addressed in a timely manner.
Financials
With our detailed financial reporting tools and online owner portal, it's never been easier to keep tabs on your investment.
Eviction Protection
In the unfortunate event that a tenant needs to be evicted from your rental, we will shield you from the stress and re-rent the property promptly.
...Stress-Free Ownership
Contact UsOur Client Reviews Speak For Themselves
Durham Property Management Services"Highly recommend MasterKey Property Management for anyone looking for property management in Raleigh. Sierra was absolutely incredible in helping us set up everything to rent out our property. Frank and his team then took over to get the property ready for rent. The whole team's expertise and responsiveness made the entire process smooth, efficient, and stress-free. Great teamwork!"
Durham Property Management Services"Robert (and his team at MasterKey) has managed my house for the past 6 years. It's been a stress free experience. He is grounded, responsive, and has never delivered any surprises. I can rely on him to find good tenants.""
Durham Property Management Services"I have leased through MasterKey for several years. They are very responsive and courteous with any maintenance requests. Pete, the in-house handyman, has been great to work with every time he's been over."
Durham Property Management Services"I have been with Masterkey Property Management for 5 years now and am very happy with their service. They promptly respond to queries and issues and are very good about keeping me informed of what is going on with my rental property. I highly recommend them."
Durham Property Management Services"We have 3 properties managed by Masterkey, and they have been fantastic to work with. Quick to respond, handle tenant issues, quick turnaround when finding new renters. Very easy to file taxes with the records they keep and their user portal is very easy to use."
Durham Property Management Services"Masterkey Property Management is a great company for both renters and landlords. Their attention to detail and responsiveness is unmatched. They take the stress out of property management so that everyone can rest easy knowing everything will be taken care of."
Our Guarantees
Happiness Guarantee
If, for any reason, you are not completely satisfied with our services and choose to end your relationship with MasterKey Property Management, you may cancel your Property Management Agreement without penalty beginning six (6) months after the start of the initial lease term, with sixty (60) days’ written notice. This guarantee is contingent upon all outstanding invoices being paid in full by the final day of management.
Eviction Guarantee
If a tenant placed by MasterKey Property Management must be evicted due to non-payment of rent, we will cover the court filing fees and attorney costs associated with the Summary Ejectment (eviction) hearing in County Magistrate Court.
Pet Damage Guarantee
For properties where MasterKey Property Management placed the tenant(s) with approved pets, we will cover up to $2,000 in pet-related damage beyond the security deposit.
Each approved pet is subject to a $300 non-refundable pet move-in fee, which is paid directly to the property owner. This is not applicable for animals covered under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) or Federal Fair Housing Regulations that cover Assistance Animals/Emotional Support Animals (ESA).
Resident Retention Guarantee
If a tenant placed by MasterKey Property Management breaks their lease during the initial lease term, we will replace the tenant at no additional cost—no lease-up fee applies.
This guarantee does not apply to:
- Tenants who terminate a lease due to military service
- Tenants who are victims of domestic violence and legally request lease termination
- Tenants who remain in compliance with the lease by paying the required lease-breaking fees
On-Time Rent Guarantee
We guarantee that your owner distribution will be paid no later than ten (10) business days after rent is due, accounting for the State of North Carolina–required grace period. If we miss this timeline, you will receive one month of free management fees.
Results Guarantee
MasterKey Property Management will not charge the owner any money for property management services until a tenant moves in and starts paying rent. We don't get paid until the owner gets paid.
Early Termination of Lease by Tenant Guarantee
If any tenant vetted and approved by Agent terminates their lease during the initial lease term, Agent will find a substitute tenant at no additional cost to Owner, unless the lease is being terminated due to a legal military service exclusion, domestic violence exclusion, or if the tenants pay a lease termination fee.
Why Invest In Durham, NC
Durham Is One of Wake County's Fastest-Growing, Most Historic Small Towns
Durham has nearly doubled in population since 2010, while holding onto a genuinely historic downtown that most fast-growing Triangle suburbs can't match. That combination of small-town character, master-planned new construction, and a household income well above the Raleigh average gives investors both stable long-term demand and room for continued growth.
Durham at a Glance:
- Population grew from 30,117 in 2010 to 47,601 at the 2020 Census, and now sits at roughly 58,100. (Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts)
- Median household income runs around $123,800, well above Raleigh's and among the higher incomes in the Triangle.
- Median home price in the high $400,000s to low $500,000s depending on source, with typical 3-bedroom rentals running roughly $1,990–$2,100/month.
- The town's historic downtown core was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002, with buildings dating from 1890 to 1949. (Source: Town of Wake Forest)
- The state has adopted the Capital Boulevard Corridor Transformation as a top transportation priority, which will eventually convert Capital Boulevard into a limited-access expressway connecting Durham directly to Raleigh. Construction is not expected to begin until 2031.
Curious what your Durham property could rent for? Get a free rental analysis.
Named Local Employers Driving Rental Demand
Durham functions largely as a residential market for Raleigh and RTP commuters, but it does have real local employers of its own. PowerSecure, a utility and energy technology company, is headquartered at Heritage Commerce Court in town. WakeMed North Hospital, part of the WakeMed health system, is a major local healthcare employer and a draw for medical professionals looking to live close to work. Beyond that, Durham's household income and rental demand are closely tied to its easy commute into Raleigh, RTP, and the rest of Wake County's job base.
Durham Neighborhoods and Submarkets
- Heritage: A large master-planned golf community with miles of greenway trails connecting to Durham's 15-mile greenway system, offering walk and bike access to downtown.
- Traditions: A resort-style gated community with a clubhouse, pool, amphitheater, and trails leading to the Durham Reservoir, within walking distance of downtown.
- Historic Downtown: The Downtown Durham Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with buildings dating from 1890 to 1949, walkable and full of character.
Growth Drivers Fueling Long-Term Demand
- The Capital Boulevard Corridor Transformation, a newly designated top state transportation priority that will convert Capital Boulevard into a limited-access expressway connecting Durham to Raleigh, though construction is not expected to begin until 2031.
- Continued downtown investment in green space, parking, and public art through the town's Capital Improvement Plan.
- A roughly $145 million FY27 town budget, adopted with a flat property tax rate.
- Continued residential growth that has nearly doubled Durham's population since 2010.
Durham Investor FAQ
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Why is Durham attractive to investors right now?
Durham pairs genuine small-town, historic character with fast population growth, its population has nearly doubled since 2010, and a household income well above Raleigh's. That combination of character and growth is hard to find together in the Triangle. -
Is Durham an appreciation market or a cash-flow market?
A mix of both. With home prices in the high $400,000s to low $500,000s and 3-bedroom rents around $2,000/month, Durham offers a reasonable entry point relative to Cary or Apex, with room for both steady cash flow and continued appreciation as the town keeps growing. -
Can MasterKey manage my Durham property if I don't live in Durham or North Carolina?
Yes. Many of our owners live out of state. Our AppFolio-powered owner portal, detailed financial reporting, and local team handle everything on the ground so you can manage your investment remotely.