How to Choose the Right Property Manager

June 05, 2025

How to Choose the Right Property Manager

Hiring a property manager? This is not the time to “go with your gut” or pick your cousin’s friend’s sister. You're hiring a COO for your rental business. So ask yourself:

  1. Are they a good person?

  2. Are they good at this job?

  3. Do they have the time and interest in you?

If the answer isn’t yes to all three, keep looking.

🕵️‍♂️ Start with Pre-Screening:

  • Ask other investors who they use (and who they fired).

  • Scan online reviews. Don’t ignore the 1-stars.

  • Verify they’re licensed (if required).

  • Check their website for clarity on services, fees, and communication.

🎯 What You Want to Know:

  • Do they manage properties like yours in your area?

  • Are they investor-friendly or just focused on rent collection?

  • How do they handle vacancies, repairs, evictions, and communication?

🚩 Red Flags to Watch For:

  • “We don’t itemize fees—it’s all included.” 🙄

  • No written inspection reports.

  • Casual text-based communication with tenants.

  • You’re locked out of accounting access.

  • Dodgy or vague responses to your questions.

🧠 Listen to Your Intuition:

  • Are they organized and respectful of your time?

  • Do they speak with confidence—or excuses?

  • Would you trust them to represent you in court or with a tenant?

A good property manager adds value, protects your assets, and saves your sanity. A bad one? They cost you money and your peace of mind.

👉 Grab our free PDF interview guide with 25 questions to ask before you hand over the keys.

Learn how to make AI work for you

AI won’t take your job, but a person using AI might. That’s why 1,000,000+ professionals read The Rundown AI – the free newsletter that keeps you updated on the latest AI news and teaches you how to use it in just 5 minutes a day.