For Property Owners

When you are considering working with a new Property Manager, you should be prepared to ask a lot of questions. If they are good, they’ll be prepared with answers to these and more:

  1. How many properties do you manage?
  2. How long have you been a property manager?
  3. How do you screen applicants?
  4. Do I get to see the rental application, credit report and lease of the tenant?
  5. Do the homeowners sign the lease, or does the property manager?
  6. Do we get to choose the tenant?
  7. Who determines the rental rate?
  8. How much can I charge for Security Deposit? Who keeps the Security Deposit? How many days do I have to return the security deposit? Can Security Deposits be used for last month’s rent?
  9. Do I get to approve the cost of home maintenance?
  10. Can I use my own maintenance person or contractor?
  11. What happens if the tenant is late with rent or doesn’t pay rent?
  12. Do you provide a report about the condition of the property before and after the tenant vacates?
  13. What if there is damage caused by the tenant?
  14. How often are inspections done?
  15. What happens if there is a maintenance emergency?
  16. If I need a new roof, or have my rental painted do you handle this type of maintenance? Do you get more than one bid for this type of job?
  17. Do you profit from any of your vendors by receiving referral fees?
  18. Do you meet vendors at the property and inspect the finished job?
  19. Do I get copies of all invoices for maintenance done?
  20. Do you as a Property Manager provide Market Analysis for rents/sales?
  21. Do you prepare properties to sell?
  22. What is the current law regarding giving 30/60/90 notices?
  23. What is a Section 8 Housing Voucher? Do you currently accept a Section 8 applicant? Do I have to?

As a homeowner using a property management company to rent your property to a tenant, there are several forms you will want to be sure are being used:

  1. Property Management Agreement
  2. Move in / out inspection checklist
  3. Lease or month-to-month rental agreement
  4. Lead-Based Paint And Lead Based Paint Hazards Disclosure, Acknowledgment And Addendum
  5. Lease/Rental Mold And Ventilation Addendum
  6. Owner Information Form