February 11, 2025 - Industry News

IHM Celebrating International Women's Week 2025 - Donna Haley

Donna Haley, FIHM

President - Haley Property Management Inc.

Responsibilities:

My role encompasses the full scope of property management responsibilities: from hiring onsite managers; dealing with residents and overseeing maintenance and managing capital expenditures and accounting through year-end financial management.   I have done it all. As the sole owner and manager of Haley Property Management Inc., I have not only managed my own portfolio but I have provided exceptional services to other clients.

What led you to a career in property management?

When my husband and I married, he owned several rental properties.  A friend needed help with apartment accounting, and that eventually led to full management. In 1983, I started Haley Property Management Inc. and the rest is history.”

How many years have you worked in this profession?

I’ve been in Property Management since 1983. I retired from Condominium Management in 2014. In 2020, I sold the buildings we owned and now am happily semi-retired. To keep in the field, I still manage a 22-unit building for a client and handle accounting for my brother-in-laws residential property management portfolio. Best of all, I get to enjoy time with my three amazing grandchildren!

What was your first job?

After graduating with a degree in legal Secretary Studies, I worked briefly in that field before being hired by the Waterloo Regional Police Force in 1979. I served as a 911 call taker, dispatcher, and Warrants clerk until 1986, when I retired after the birth of our first child. During that time, I also managed apartments.

What is your proudest professional moment?

Maintaining zero vacancies in my apartment buildings for over 30 years, even during COVID, was a huge accomplishment. I am also proud of earning my AIHM designation in 1995 and my RCM in 1997 while running a business and taking care of my family.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Dealing with landlords who don’t follow the law and tenants who refuse to follow the rules has been my biggest challenge. These challenges can be frustrating but have also taught me invaluable lessons about resilience and integrity.

Who do you consider a mentor or hero?

My husband, who introduced me to this incredible journey in property management.

What is the best advice you ever received?

Do not change how you manage people or your buildings. Work within the law and encourage other property managers to do the same.

What advice would you give to those entering the property management profession?

Always be responsive and professional. Your reputation is built on how you handle your responsibilities and interact with clients.

What changes have you seen in property management in recent years?

Tenants not paying rent on time has become a significant issue, with some owing thousands of dollars. Additionally, the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) and Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) processes are struggling to enforce prompt payments.

What changes do you see facing this profession in the future?

With the LTB in disarray and increasing challenges around rent payments, small landlords are facing disastrous situations. The profession will need strong advocacy and innovative solutions to navigate these issues.

Fun fact you wish to share:

Always do your best, no matter what. People are paying you to do a job, and it’s your responsibility to deliver excellence every single time.  Mutual respect improves all aspects of life.