What Questions Should You Ask a Property Management Company Before Hiring Them?

What Questions Should You Ask a Property Management Company Before Hiring Them?

Choosing the right property management company is a crucial decision for any landlord. A good property manager can save you time, money, and stress, while a poor one can turn your investment into a nightmare. To make an informed choice, you need to ask the right questions during your initial discussions. Here are some essential questions to guide you in selecting the best property manager for your needs, along with explanations of why they matter.

1. How many years have you been a property manager?

Why ask this? Experience matters in property management. A company or individuals with a long track record is likely to have encountered and solved various challenges that come with managing rental properties, such as dealing with difficult tenants, handling maintenance issues, and navigating legal complexities.

What to look for: Ideally, the company or individuals should have several years of experience managing properties similar to yours or more than yours, so in this case, you are the benchmark.

2. Are they legally registered and certified?

Why this matters: It's crucial to work with companies that are fully registered and compliant with local laws and industry standards. A valid trade license, tax clearance certificate, and other legal certifications show that the company operates legitimately and takes its responsibilities seriously. Such companies are less likely to cut corners and more likely to ensure your property also remains compliant. On the other hand, if they’re lax with their own obligations, they may be just as careless with yours.

What to look for: Ask to see valid licenses and certifications from recognized authorities such as URA, URSB, and as well as professional bodies like AREA, IFMA and AfRES.

3. What are the monthly fees, and what services do they include?

Why ask this? Property management fees can vary significantly from one company to another. Understanding what you’re paying for helps you assess whether the cost is reasonable for the services provided.

What to look for: Ensure that the fees cover essential services like tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and financial reporting. Beware of companies that charge a low monthly fee but have hidden costs for basic services.

4. Are there any extra services that aren’t included in the fee, and how much do they cost?

Why ask this? Some companies offer a base package and then charge extra for additional services like handling evictions, marketing vacancies, or annual property inspections.

What to look for: Ask for a breakdown of all potential extra charges so you’re not caught off guard later.

5. How often will you be visiting and/or inspecting the property?

Why ask this? Regular property inspections help catch maintenance issues early and ensure tenants are taking care of the property. Also ask if they also visit and inspect the property if it’s vacant. Vacant properties can become targets for vandalism, theft, or unauthorized occupation. Regular visits ensure the property remains in good condition

What to look for: The best property managers conduct routine inspections at least once or twice a month and provide detailed reports with photos.

6. Do you handle all maintenance and repairs?

Why ask this? Maintenance is one of the biggest responsibilities of a property manager. You need to know if they will take care of repairs or if you’ll be responsible for finding contractors yourself.

What to look for: A good property manager should have a system for handling repairs quickly and efficiently. This doesn’t mean they handle the costs but are able to coordinate and supervise works as a basic element in their property management package

7. Do you have a network of trusted contractors and repairmen in case there’s an emergency?

Why ask this? Property managers who work with reputable contractors can save you time and money on maintenance and repairs.

What to look for: Ensure the company has reliable contacts and does not overcharge for repairs.

8. What is your process for screening new tenants?

Why ask this? Tenant screening is one of the most critical aspects of property management. Poor tenant selection can lead to late payments, property damage, and evictions.

What to look for: The property manager should have a thorough screening process, including background checks, credit history, employment verification, and rental history.

9. How do you handle late rent payments or tenant disputes?

Why ask this? Late rent payments can disrupt your cash flow, and tenant disputes can be stressful. A good property manager should have a clear, legally compliant process for handling these situations.

What to look for: They should enforce lease terms strictly and communicate how they deal with habitual late payers.

10. Have you ever had to evict a tenant? If so, how did you handle it?

Why ask this? Evictions are sometimes unavoidable, and you need a property manager who understands the legal process and can handle it efficiently.

What to look for: Their answer should demonstrate knowledge of local eviction laws and a history of handling evictions professionally and legally.

11. Can you provide references from current clients?

Why ask this? Talking to other landlords who have worked with the property manager gives you an idea of their reliability and service quality.

What to look for: Ask for references and follow up with calls or emails to verify their experiences.

A property manager is your business partner in real estate. Asking the right questions before hiring them ensures you choose someone who will protect your investment, find good tenants, and keep your property running smoothly.

Don’t be afraid to demand clarity on fees, services, and expectations. A professional property manager will welcome these questions and provide transparent answers.

Happy investing! 🚀

Potential Titles:

1. "12 Critical Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Property Manager"
2. "How to Find the Right Property Manager: A Landlord’s Guide"
3. "What Every Landlord Should Ask a Property Manager Before Signing a Contract"
4. Hiring a Property Manager? Here’s What You NEED to Know First"
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