Today, we speak with Melissa Van de Sype, Property Manager at TREVI Ghent. Melissa joined TREVI in November 2022 and holds a degree in Business Management with a specialization in real estate. Passionate about property management, she supports landlords by taking full responsibility for the day-to-day management of their properties. In this interview, she shares her experience, insights and the real added value of professional rental management.
"My name is Melissa Van de Sype and I have been working as a Property Manager at TREVI Ghent since November 2022. I studied Business Management at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences, specializing in real estate. While looking for my first job, I came across an opportunity at TREVI and was invited for an interview. It immediately felt like the right fit. The role is very diverse, combining administrative tasks with on-site visits."
"As property managers, our role is to fully relieve landlords of their responsibilities. We handle financial, administrative and technical management. We monitor rent payments and send reminders when tenants are late. On the administrative side, we prepare lease agreements and addenda. Technical management involves ensuring that issues are resolved quickly and that contractors are appointed on time. We also offer a 24/7 emergency service, allowing tenants, landlords and partners to reach us at any time. Personally, I enjoy being on-site to check that repairs have been carried out correctly."
"Our day usually starts between 8 and 9 am. Every morning, we are available by phone to assist landlords and tenants. After that, we focus on administrative tasks. In the afternoon, we schedule property visits."
"Conflict management is one of the biggest challenges. Sometimes tenants and landlords have different expectations, and it is our role to mediate. For example, in cases of property damage, tenants often want to recover as much of their deposit as possible, while landlords expect full compensation. Another challenge is when tenants are unable to pay the full rent. In that case, we may propose a payment plan, subject to the landlord’s approval."
"We mainly collaborate with our colleagues at TREVI Immobilier. They handle property listings and viewings with prospective tenants. Once they find a suitable candidate, they present the tenant to both the landlord and us. We closely monitor each step of the process."
"We monitor rent payments weekly. If a tenant does not pay on time, they first receive a free reminder. This is followed by reminders with fees of 10 euros, 25 euros and 35 euros. If the rent remains unpaid, we initiate legal proceedings with a lawyer. We always contact the tenant to understand the reason for the delay. In some cases, we set up a payment plan with the landlord’s approval, allowing the tenant to settle arrears in installments. If the tenant cannot be reached or refuses to pay, we escalate the case."
To learn more about how unpaid rent is handled, read our blog article “Tenant Not Paying Rent? How a Property Manager Protects Your Investment”.
"I recently started managing a property for a new landlord who did not know that rent indexation could be applied annually. As a result, he had been missing out on rental income. He was very grateful once we explained this. We now handle the process entirely. His tenant used to contact him frequently, but he no longer has to deal with it. He now has more time for himself and his family. Since working with TREVI, everything is professionally managed."
"My advice is simple. If you are unsure, come and meet us to see if our services match your needs. Our team of real estate experts is here to support you. A property manager helps you save time and money, maximize rental income and reduce vacancy risks. We work with trusted contractors to resolve issues quickly and efficiently. In addition, our legal team ensures we stay fully compliant with current regulations."
At TREVI Rental Management, property management goes far beyond handling daily operations. From coordinating property visits to mediating conflicts and optimizing rental income, professional property managers bring real added value to landlords. Their expertise in both administrative and technical management allows property owners to fully delegate and focus on other priorities.
Looking to simplify your rental management and improve your investment performance? Contact TREVI Rental Management and discover how we can support you.
What to do when your tenant stops paying rent? Discover how a professional property manager at TREVI handles unpaid rent and protects your real estate investment.
Find out more Read the sequel
Owning a second property can be a great investment opportunity, but it also comes with responsibilities and risks. Discover how professional property management helps you protect your asset, secure your rental income and manage your property with complete peace of mind.
Find out more Read the sequel
Real estate can offer attractive returns, but understanding how they are calculated is key. Discover how to measure rental yield, leverage financing and maximise capital gains on your investment.
Find out more Read the sequel
Sustainable real estate is more than a trend. Learn how property management helps reduce risks, optimise performance and ensure the long-term value of your investment.
Find out more Read the sequel
Rental agreements and legislation can be complex for landlords. Discover the key legal obligations, from contract drafting to tenant rights, to avoid risks and manage your property with confidence.
Find out more Read the sequel
The right property manager can make a major difference in your rental income. Learn 10 key tips to choose the best partner and maximise your investment performance.
Find out more Read the sequel