20 Questions

Questions to Ask Property Management Companies

Essential questions to help you evaluate property management companies and find the right partner to protect and maximize your rental investment.

1

How long have you been in the property management business?

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Why this works

Experience indicates reliability and demonstrates they've weathered various market conditions.

2

How many properties do you currently manage?

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Why this works

Portfolio size reveals their capacity and whether they're too small or too large to provide personalized service.

3

What types of properties do you specialize in?

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Why this works

Specialization in your property type ensures relevant expertise and better results.

4

What is your fee structure and what services are included?

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Why this works

Understanding all costs upfront prevents surprises and helps you compare value across companies.

5

How do you screen and select tenants?

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Why this works

Thorough tenant screening protects your investment and reduces problematic tenancies.

6

What is your average tenant retention rate?

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Why this works

High retention indicates good tenant relations and reduces turnover costs.

7

How do you handle maintenance requests and emergencies?

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Why this works

Efficient maintenance processes protect property value and keep tenants satisfied.

8

Do you have a network of trusted contractors and vendors?

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Why this works

Established relationships often mean better pricing and more reliable service.

9

How do you determine appropriate rental rates?

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Why this works

Market analysis expertise ensures competitive pricing that maximizes income without excessive vacancies.

10

What is your process for handling late or non-payment of rent?

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Why this works

Clear collection procedures protect your cash flow and minimize financial losses.

11

How often will you inspect my property?

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Why this works

Regular inspections identify issues early and ensure tenants are maintaining the property properly.

12

What types of reports will I receive and how often?

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Why this works

Detailed, regular reporting keeps you informed about your investment's performance.

13

How accessible are you for questions or concerns?

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Why this works

Communication standards ensure you can reach them when needed without frustration.

14

What is your eviction rate and how do you handle evictions?

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Why this works

Eviction procedures and frequency reveal how they handle difficult situations.

15

Are you licensed and insured? What coverage do you maintain?

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Why this works

Proper licensing and insurance protect you from liability and demonstrate professionalism.

16

How do you handle rent increases and lease renewals?

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Why this works

Strategic rent adjustments balance income growth with tenant retention.

17

What marketing strategies do you use to fill vacancies?

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Why this works

Effective marketing minimizes vacancy periods and maximizes rental income.

18

What happens if I'm unhappy with your services?

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Why this works

Understanding termination clauses and flexibility shows their confidence and fairness.

19

Can you provide references from current or past clients?

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Why this works

Client testimonials offer insights into real experiences and service quality.

20

How do you stay current with landlord-tenant laws and regulations?

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Why this works

Legal compliance protects you from costly violations and ensures proper procedures.

Choosing a Property Manager

Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.

What to Evaluate

1
Step 1: Compare fee structures and what's included in base management fees
2
Step 2: Check online reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings
3
Step 3: Verify licenses, certifications, and insurance coverage
4
Step 4: Request and contact at least three client references
5
Step 5: Review sample management agreements and reporting formats
6
Step 6: Assess their technology platforms and owner portals

During the Interview

Ask for specific examples of how they've handled challenging situations
Inquire about staff turnover and who will handle your property day-to-day
Discuss their emergency procedures and after-hours availability
Request a detailed breakdown of all potential fees and charges
Ask about their property management software and owner access
Understand their vendor markup policies and transparency

Warning Signs

Unwillingness to provide references or explain fee structures
No proper licensing or proof of insurance
Poor communication or slow response times during evaluation
Managing too many properties for their staff size
Unrealistic promises about rent amounts or tenant quality
Complex contracts with hidden fees or unfavorable termination clauses

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