“The one piece of advice I would give to landlords is to remember that tenants are paying customers—treat them with the same care and respect as you would in today’s competitive rental market. After all, we depend on our tenants.”

It’s this attitude that won Shadi Salehpour’s Let’s Rent the 2024 REINZ Residential Property Management Small Office of the Year (under 200 properties).

Hard start

Shadi arrived in New Zealand from a war-torn country with no English skills, she has risen to the top of her profession through determination, resilience, and a deep passion for property management.

“I started my company during the challenges of the second lockdown,” Shadi shares.

“Navigating economic uncertainty, COVID-19, and even fighting a restraint of trade clause with my former employer made the journey even more challenging—but also more rewarding.”

Shadi is a staunch advocate for upholding ethics and standards in the rental market. As New Zealand’s new government shelves the proposed Residential Property Managers Bill, Shadi emphasises the importance of responsible property management.

“It’s up to owners and managers like me to ensure the highest levels of professionalism and integrity,” she states.

Top of her game

Let’s Rent Ltd caters to a wide range of property investors, from seasoned professionals with large rental portfolios to first-time investors seeking guidance. Shadi’s extensive knowledge of the Auckland rental market, coupled with her interpersonal and negotiating skills, make her a trusted partner for landlords.

She is often referred to as the "peacock of the industry" and is widely recognised as an influential and inspirational figure. In 2023, she was awarded for being inspirational at the PMC Awards in Wellington.

In addition to her awards, Shadi was chosen as a featured speaker at the Women to Watch 2024 event in September, where she shared her journey and encouraged others to persevere in the face of adversity.

Shadi’s story showcases her as a woman of resilience and shows the opportunities New Zealand provides for those who are willing to work hard. Her commitment to excellence continues to raise the bar in the property management industry, inspiring others to follow her lead.