Skip to Content

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Property Management Company: Insights from RPM Sunstate

Hiring a property management company is crucial for investors who own and manage multiple properties, especially those with substantial holdings in prime Florida locations like Palm Beach County, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Entrusting your valuable assets to a professional management team can significantly impact your bottom line and overall success in the real estate market. However, not all property management companies are created equal, and due diligence is essential in selecting the right partner for your investment portfolio.

Investors with 50 to 250-unit buildings understand the complexities of property management, from tenant relations to maintenance, financial reporting, and compliance with local regulations. They recognize the importance of maximizing ROI while minimizing risks and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their investments. 

In this blog, we will delve into the critical questions you should ask yourself and the property management company when considering a partnership, drawing insights from RPM Sunstate, a trusted name in Florida property management.

Understanding What You Need When Hiring a Property Management Company

Before searching for a property management company, assessing your specific needs and expectations is essential. Reflecting on your goals and requirements will help you narrow the list of potential partners and ensure a seamless collaboration that aligns with your business objectives. 

Here are some questions to consider from the investor’s perspective:

  • What level of involvement do I desire in managing my properties?
  • Am I seeking a comprehensive management solution covering all property operations, or do I require specific services?
  • What are my short-term and long-term investment goals, and how can a property management company support me?
  • Do I prioritize maximizing rental income, minimizing vacancies, or ensuring property maintenance and tenant satisfaction?

Understanding what you need and value in a property management company will set you up for success in finding the right partner in business. 

Questions to Evaluate Property Management Companies in Florida

Once you’ve clarified your needs and expectations, evaluating potential property management companies based on their ability to meet those requirements is time. Asking the right questions during initial consultations or interviews can provide valuable insights into their expertise, approach, and suitability for your investment portfolio. 

Moreover, their answers should leave no doubt that the company that will become your partner fully complies with federal and state laws. This way, you can rest assured that your investment is in good hands and that your tenants will be treated fairly.

Here are some crucial questions to pose to property management companies:

  • Are You A Licensed Property Manager? A valid real estate agent license in the state is required to manage a Florida rental property–and to earn compensation legally. Watch out for “property managers” without the state real estate license.
  • How Many and What Types of Properties Are You Currently Managing? Your potential property manager should focus on providing your properties with the needed attention and expertise in property management. Handling a duplex differs from managing a larger complex or a condo association, with laws varying based on the number of units.
  • What Is Your Fee Structure? Property management fees are crucial when choosing a new manager. Usually, management companies earn money from rental income. Additional fees specified by the property manager should be clearly outlined in the contract.
  • How Do You Send Owner Statements? Can I See A Sample? A property manager’s presentation of financial data can impact your understanding of your property. They should explain reports clearly, answer questions, and provide a sample report before starting an agreement. 
  • How is Your Tenant Screening Process Structured? Tenants will come and go during your rental’s lifespan. Screening potential tenants is crucial. Does the manager conduct credit and background checks? Do tenants need to complete a rental application? Is employment history verified? How about contacting former landlords? 
  • Who Handles The Maintenance Work? The property manager’s size determines maintenance handling: in-house crew, contractor, or manager. Depending on location, a certified contractor may be needed for tasks. Permits and inspections may be necessary. Your manager should be aware of these requirements.
  • Are You Handling Contractors? When interviewing property managers, ask about their network of contractors for prompt vendor issue resolution. The right connections can streamline the process of finding skilled professionals and save time.
  • How is rent collected? Property managers need a clear rent collection policy. How is rent collected—pickup, mailing, or direct to the bank? Leases must detail due dates, amounts, and late fees. Specify when a tenant defaults and how they handle the situation.
  • Can I See One of the Sample Documents That You Use? Any property manager should be able to produce sample documents for your review. You may want to review leases, property management agreements, move-in/move-out reports, owner statements, etc.
  • What Is the Duration of the Management Agreement? Entering a property management contract is a big commitment that requires careful consideration. Understand the terms, including duration, renewal options, and termination procedures in case of issues. It’s wise to have your attorney review the agreement before signing.
  • How Frequently Do You Review Local, County, and State Laws? Your property manager must have a solid grasp of the law. As a landlord, you must ensure that your property manager follows standardized procedures to adhere to local, state, and federal landlord-tenant regulations. 
  • Do You Have References? Consult individuals with prior experience with your property manager; request feedback encompassing positives and negatives. A property manager should readily provide references before finalizing any agreement.

For investors looking to enhance their property portfolios in Florida, asking pertinent questions about asset management is essential. Delve into the strategies employed by property management companies in Palm Beach County, Orlando, and Jacksonville to boost rental income and reduce vacancies. These markets are fiercely competitive, demanding specialized tactics for real estate triumph in Florida. By understanding the company’s approach, you can gauge their expertise in asset management, going beyond mere property management.

Thorough Vetting and Due Diligence to Select the Right Property Manager

To select the right property manager, asking the above questions lays a solid foundation for evaluating potential partners. However, beyond merely checking off boxes, the true objective of the interview process is to conduct thorough vetting and due diligence to identify the standout candidate that offers distinct advantages over others. 

While many property management companies may meet the basic criteria, choosing one that demonstrates a unique value proposition and a track record of excellence is imperative. This is where RPM Sunstate shines. 

With our tailored asset management approach, we go beyond traditional property management services to help investors multiply their wealth. Our expertise lies in finding innovative ways to maximize income while minimizing risk, ensuring sustainable growth for our clients. 

Moreover, our tenant-centric philosophy, characterized by active listening and responsive communication, fosters strong tenant relationships, leading to higher retention rates and reduced vacancies. Combined with our proprietary Wealth Optimizer program, which continually adapts strategies to optimize returns, RPM Sunstate is your trusted partner for achieving long-term success in real estate investment.

Hiring a Property Management Company that Exceeds Your Expectations

Asking the questions posed in this blog should provide a clear view of what to expect from your chosen company. One last resource not mentioned in the body that could consolidate the gathered information–or turn it to pieces–is to consider visiting properties currently managed by the company to assess firsthand their level of maintenance, tenant satisfaction, and overall management effectiveness. This would be the ultimate investigative step to take.

The questions, or even the visit to a managed property, are all steps for investors to make informed decisions based on trust. The due diligence behind the decision-making will help investors ensure that the company they choose most accurately suits their business goals. Building a solid relationship with your property management partner based on trust, transparency, and effective communication is vital to achieving mutual success and maximizing the return on your real estate investments.

RPM Sunstate understands the unique challenges and opportunities in the Florida real estate market and stands ready to provide comprehensive property management services tailored to your needs. Take the time to evaluate your options carefully and make an informed decision that will contribute to the long-term success of your investment ventures. In the meantime, download our free resource, “The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Property Management Company in Florida,” to learn more about us and set a high standard for what to expect from others.
content-offer-mockup

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details