What to look for in a rental property manager

Here’s what to look for when hiring a rental property manager you can trust.

? 1. Experience and Local Market Knowledge

Look for a manager who:

Has several years of experience managing your type of property (single-family, multifamily, or commercial)
Knows the local rental market—including fair market rents, vacancy trends, and neighborhood dynamics
Has a track record of placing good tenants and keeping properties profitable

? Ask how many properties and units they currently manage.

? 2. Licensing and Credentials

Ensure your property manager is properly licensed and certified according to your state laws. Key qualifications include:

A real estate broker’s license (required in most states)
Membership in professional organizations like:
- NARPM (National Association of Residential Property Managers)
- IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management)

? Bonus points for ongoing education and certifications in property management.

? 3. Transparent Communication and Reporting

Great managers offer:

Regular updates on property performance
Monthly income and expense statements
Clear, prompt communication (via email, phone, or portal)
24/7 emergency support for tenants

? Ask how often you’ll receive updates and what reports you’ll get.

? 4. Competitive, Clear Fee Structure

Typical fees include:

Monthly management fee (usually 8–12% of rent)
Tenant placement fee (typically 50–100% of one month’s rent)
Maintenance markup (some charge 10% on vendor invoices)
Lease renewal or eviction handling fees (optional)

? Make sure the contract spells out all fees and when they're charged. Watch out for hidden costs.

? 5. Thorough Tenant Screening Process

A good manager will:

Advertise on major platforms (Zillow, Apartments.com, etc.)
Require detailed applications
Run credit, background, and eviction checks
Verify employment and rental history
Enforce clear rental criteria

? Ask for a copy of their screening checklist or tenant qualification policy.

? 6. Maintenance and Vendor Management

Look for someone who:

Has a network of trusted, licensed contractors
Coordinates repairs quickly and efficiently
Gets multiple bids for larger projects
Keeps you informed of repair costs and approvals

? Ask how emergency maintenance is handled and if you can approve vendors or thresholds.

? 7. Technology and Online Portals

Modern managers should offer:

Online rent collection and disbursement
Digital lease signing and document storage
Maintenance request tracking
Owner and tenant portals

? Tech-savvy managers reduce delays, errors, and paperwork.

? 8. Good Reviews and References

Check:

Online reviews (Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau)
Testimonials from current or past property owners
Whether they’ve had complaints with the local Real Estate Commission or licensing board

? Request 2–3 owner references you can speak with directly.

⚖️ 9. Knowledge of Landlord-Tenant Law

A qualified manager should be well-versed in:

Local landlord-tenant regulations
Fair Housing laws
Eviction procedures
Security deposit handling rules

? Their legal knowledge protects you from costly mistakes.

✅ Final Thought

A great property manager will do more than just collect rent—they’ll act as a partner in your investment, help preserve your property’s value, and free you from the daily grind. Take your time, do your research, and hire someone who’s organized, responsive, and invested in your success.

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