10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Property Manager

Many investors focus solely on management fees when comparing companies. While fees are important, they only tell a small part of the story. The real value comes from tenant quality, maintenance response times, communication, and the systems that protect your investment. Before signing a management agreement, here are the questions every property owner should ask.

How much experience do you have managing properties like mine?

Some companies specialize in single-family homes, while others focus on apartment buildings, student housing, or luxury rentals. Make sure the company has experience managing properties similar to yours.

How many units do you manage?
What property types do you specialize in?
How long have you been in business?

How often will you communicate with me?

You should know what is happening with your investment without having to chase down information.

How often will I receive updates?
Will I have access to an owner portal?
How quickly do you respond to emails and phone calls?

What is your vacancy rate?

Vacancies are one of the largest expenses property owners face. A strong manager should be able to explain their average vacancy rate, how quickly they lease units, their marketing strategy, and how they handle turnover. Every month a unit sits vacant is money out of your pocket.

How do you market rental properties?

Professional marketing can dramatically reduce vacancy periods. Ask whether they provide:

Professional photography
Virtual tours
Social media advertising
Online listing syndication
Applicant screening systems

How do you screen tenants?

Tenant quality is arguably the most important factor in successful ownership. A thorough screening process reduces late payments, property damage, lease violations, and evictions. Ask about credit-score requirements, income and employment verification, landlord references, and criminal background checks.

At Hub City Property Management, we typically look for a minimum credit score of 650 and aim for rent to represent less than 30% of total household income. Strong screening today can save thousands tomorrow.

When will I receive my rental proceeds?

Understanding when proceeds are distributed helps you plan for mortgage payments, property taxes, water and sewer bills, condo fees, and maintenance contracts.

At Hub City Property Management, rental proceeds are typically distributed by the 15th of each month, letting owners coordinate their financial obligations accordingly.

What are your maintenance rates?

If a pipe bursts or a furnace fails, you need a team that responds quickly and cost-effectively. Ask about business-hours and after-hours rates, whether they have an in-house team, and which trades they have access to — plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, painters, handymen, and general contractors.

At Hub City Property Management, our maintenance team rate is $49 per hour during regular business hours.

How do you handle after-hours emergencies?

Water leaks, heating failures, electrical issues, and lockouts can happen at any time. Ask whether there's a dedicated emergency line, who answers after-hours calls, what qualifies as an emergency, and how quickly emergencies are addressed. A manager should protect both tenants and your investment 24 hours a day.

Can I speak with your existing clients?

One of the best ways to evaluate a company is to speak with current clients — local investors, out-of-town investors, and multi-property owners. Pay attention to feedback on communication, financial reporting, maintenance handling, and vacancy management. A reputable company should be happy to connect you.

How do you help investors grow their portfolio?

Great property managers do more than collect rent — they help investors identify opportunities, improve cash flow, reduce operating expenses, increase property value, and scale. If your manager understands investing, they become a strategic partner rather than just a service provider.

The bottom line

Property management fees are easy to compare. The quality of management is not. The right company can help reduce vacancies, improve tenant quality, control maintenance costs, and protect your investment for years to come. Before making your decision, take the time to ask the right questions and evaluate each company's systems, communication, and track record.