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In a sector often marked by quiet transactions, Nathan Levinson, Founder and CEO of Royal York Property Management, stands out for his public voice.
Overseeing more than 25,000 rental units and $10 billion in assets, he has built his brand not only on operational excellence but also on active engagement in public discourse, through Forbes, national panels, and ongoing commentary. He believes that property managers must speak up to influence policy, elevate industry standards, and better serve landlords and tenants alike.
A Voice for the Industry
“Nathan isn’t just managing buildings; he’s shaping policy,” says a Royal York colleague.
Levinson frequently contributes to the Forbes Business Council, with recent articles like “The Future of Property Management in Canada: 5 Trends for 2025” and “The Current Climate: Eight Investment Strategies and Opportunities”.
In these publications, he addresses macroeconomic realities, technological shifts, and evolving tenant expectations,all while setting a tone rooted in experience, rather than theory.
When asked why he prioritizes public writing, Levinson says, “If we want real change, whether it’s around tenant protection or operating efficiency, silence won’t shape policy. We have to show up with facts and lived experience.”
Why Public Leadership Matters
Guiding Regulation
Levinson was appointed to the Bank of Canada’s rental policy panel, where he provides data and insights on tenant trends and rental velocity. He stresses that voices representing operational experience, those managing thousands of units are essential in shaping effective, implementable policy.
“Policymakers can’t legislate what they don’t understand. Being in the room means shaping regulations that work, not just sound good on paper.”
Educating the Ecosystem
With rising mortgage rates and tighter capital conditions in Canada during early 2025, many small landlords are under pressure. Levinson says they need clarity, not jargon:
“When lease rules or disclosure requirements change, landlords don’t need theory, they need step-by-step guidance. That’s why I break down complex issues for public audiences.”
He has appeared in industry forums and written guidance pieces addressing rent-strike responses and rental-guarantee frameworks, all in clear, actionable language.
Inspiration Over Intimidation
Levinson knows that public commentary isn’t easy when the sector typically stays behind closed doors. That’s why he aims to lower the bar:
“I don’t have to have all the answers. I just need to ask the right questions and share what we’re doing at Royal York. It invites others to join the conversation, not fear them.”
He’s seen property owners tell him they’ve started their own blogs or reached out to local officials following his posts. That, for him, is the metric of success.
A Template for Others
If landlords and property managers took a page from Levinson, here’s what they’d replicate:
1. Write from experience, not hype. “Discuss lease delays or licensing puzzles you’ve fixed,” Levinson advises.
2. Be accessible. His Forbes pieces regularly include real examples, not just statistics.
3. Participate in policy forums. Levinson says “if a local council invites you to speak, show up.”
4. Promote windows, not walls. Engage collaboratively; he’s fielded questions from tenant groups and regulators alike.
A Reputation That Matters
By contributing to Forbes and sitting on federal panels, Levinson doesn’t just elevate Royal York Property Management; he gives hard-earned credibility to the entire sector. Analysts note his mindset is rare among his peers.
For Nathan, the proof is in the results: Royal York now attracts attention from institutional investors and partnerships precisely because they’ve demonstrated accountability in public forums.
What This Means for Beverly Hills
In ultra-regulated, high-value rental markets like Beverly Hills, dealing with HOA rules, zoning codes, guest liabilities,a public advocate like Levinson can provide real value:
● Help frame local policy debates. Well-informed contributions can guide balanced regulation instead of blanket prohibitions.
● Create peer support. Public voice builds communities of landlords learning together.
● Attract responsible clients. Being visible increases trust, especially among owners who care about reputation and compliance.
Final Thought: Real Influence Starts With Speaking Out
As housing becomes more complex, Levinson’s advice is clear:
“Don’t wait until there’s a fire, join today’s conversations. Speak on what you manage, share what you’ve learned, and you’ll shape a better market for everyone.”
It’s a leadership playbook designed not just for Canadian operators, but any real estate professional looking to lead change. In a crowded media landscape, Nathan Levinson proves that thoughtful, public leadership still matters.
