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Property manager interview checklist

Ask every manager the same questions so you can compare their answers. Get fees and key promises in writing.

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Company: ____________________   Contact: ____________________   Date: __________

Fees & contract

• What is the monthly management fee, and is it charged on rent due or rent actually collected?
• Is there a monthly minimum fee?
• What is the leasing / tenant placement fee, and is there a placement-only option?
• What do you charge for a lease renewal?
• Are there setup, onboarding, admin, technology or annual fees?
• Do you mark up maintenance or vendor invoices? By how much?
• Do you charge anything while the property is vacant?
• How long is the contract, and what does it cost to cancel early?
• Can I see every fee in writing before I sign?

Tenants & leasing

• How do you set the asking rent? Can I see comparable rentals?
• How do you advertise, and who pays for advertising?
• What are your tenant screening standards (credit, income, rental history, background)?
• How long do your listings usually take to rent?
• Do you offer a placement guarantee? What exactly does it cover?
• Who handles move-in and move-out inspections, and do I get photos?

Maintenance & inspections

• Up to what dollar amount can you approve repairs without asking me?
• Do you use in-house staff or outside vendors? Are vendors licensed and insured?
• How are after-hours emergencies handled?
• How often do you inspect occupied properties, and is there a fee?

Money & reporting

• When are owner payouts sent each month?
• Where are security deposits and rents held (escrow/trust account)?
• What reports do I get monthly and at year-end (including a 1099)?
• Is there an online owner portal?

Problems & storms

• How do you handle late rent and evictions? What does an eviction cost me?
• What is your plan before and after a hurricane or tropical storm?
• How will you document storm damage for my insurance claim?

Licensing & fit

• Is the company or broker licensed in this state? (Check the FL DBPR or MS Real Estate Commission lookup.)
• How many properties does each manager handle?
• Who is my day-to-day contact, and how fast do you reply?
• Can you give me references from current owners?

Next: estimate the total cost in the calculator and check for the extras in the hidden fees guide.

From ThePMCostGuide.com. General information only; not legal advice.