Questions to Ask When Buying a Multifamily Property
Essential due diligence questions to evaluate financials, operations, tenant dynamics, and hidden costs before purchasing a multifamily investment property.
1What is the current occupancy rate, and what has it been over the past 2–3 years?
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What is the current occupancy rate, and what has it been over the past 2–3 years?
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Why this works
Reveals stability, demand, and whether vacancies are seasonal, structural, or one-time issues.
2Can you provide rent rolls showing current tenant leases, rents, and lease expiration dates?
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Can you provide rent rolls showing current tenant leases, rents, and lease expiration dates?
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Why this works
Shows income reliability, tenant turnover risk, and whether rents are at market rate or below.
3What are the operating expenses for the last 2–3 years, broken down by category?
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What are the operating expenses for the last 2–3 years, broken down by category?
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Why this works
Clarifies true costs—utilities, maintenance, management, taxes—and helps forecast cash flow.
4Are there any deferred maintenance issues or capital improvements needed in the near term?
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Are there any deferred maintenance issues or capital improvements needed in the near term?
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Why this works
Surfaces hidden costs like roof repairs, HVAC replacement, or plumbing upgrades that impact returns.
5What is the property's Net Operating Income (NOI) and cap rate based on current performance?
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What is the property's Net Operating Income (NOI) and cap rate based on current performance?
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Why this works
Provides the baseline for valuation and helps you assess whether the asking price is justified.
6How are utilities structured—separately metered per unit or included in rent?
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How are utilities structured—separately metered per unit or included in rent?
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Why this works
Affects expense predictability and whether tenants or the owner bear utility cost fluctuations.
7What is the property management situation—self-managed, third-party, or in transition?
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What is the property management situation—self-managed, third-party, or in transition?
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Why this works
Shows whether operations are smooth, the quality of management, and transition risks if changing.
8Have there been any major tenant disputes, evictions, or legal issues in the past few years?
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Have there been any major tenant disputes, evictions, or legal issues in the past few years?
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Why this works
Reveals tenant quality, legal risk, and whether the property has a history of problem tenants.
9What is the condition of major systems—roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, foundation?
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What is the condition of major systems—roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, foundation?
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Why this works
Identifies capital expenditure needs and helps you budget for replacements or repairs.
10Are there any rent control, zoning, or regulatory restrictions that limit rent increases or renovations?
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Are there any rent control, zoning, or regulatory restrictions that limit rent increases or renovations?
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Why this works
Clarifies legal constraints that could cap income growth or limit value-add strategies.
11What is the neighborhood's rental market trend—increasing, stable, or declining demand?
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What is the neighborhood's rental market trend—increasing, stable, or declining demand?
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Why this works
Assesses long-term appreciation potential and whether the area supports rent growth.
12What is the tenant turnover rate, and what are the typical reasons for move-outs?
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What is the tenant turnover rate, and what are the typical reasons for move-outs?
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Why this works
Shows stability, tenant satisfaction, and whether turnover costs will erode profitability.
13Are there any pending special assessments, property tax increases, or insurance rate changes?
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Are there any pending special assessments, property tax increases, or insurance rate changes?
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Why this works
Uncovers future cost increases that could impact cash flow and returns.
14What is the typical lease term—month-to-month, 6-month, or 12-month leases?
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What is the typical lease term—month-to-month, 6-month, or 12-month leases?
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Why this works
Affects income stability and flexibility to adjust rents or reposition the property.
15Can you provide a list of recent capital improvements and upgrades, with receipts if available?
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Can you provide a list of recent capital improvements and upgrades, with receipts if available?
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Why this works
Shows what's already been invested and what value-add opportunities remain.
16What is the property's crime rate and safety profile compared to surrounding areas?
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What is the property's crime rate and safety profile compared to surrounding areas?
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Why this works
Affects tenant demand, insurance costs, and long-term marketability.
17Are there any liens, encumbrances, or title issues that could complicate the purchase?
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Are there any liens, encumbrances, or title issues that could complicate the purchase?
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Why this works
Ensures clean title transfer and avoids inheriting previous owner's legal or financial problems.
18What is the seller's reason for selling, and how long have they owned the property?
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What is the seller's reason for selling, and how long have they owned the property?
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Why this works
Provides context on motivation, urgency, and whether there are undisclosed issues.
19What is the average time to rent a vacant unit, and what are the marketing strategies?
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What is the average time to rent a vacant unit, and what are the marketing strategies?
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Why this works
Shows demand strength and whether the property can absorb turnover without income loss.
20Can you provide access to inspect all units, common areas, and mechanical systems before closing?
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Can you provide access to inspect all units, common areas, and mechanical systems before closing?
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Why this works
Ensures transparency and allows you to verify condition claims before committing capital.
Multifamily Property Due Diligence
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.