7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Property Manager

If you’re thinking about hiring a property manager, it can feel overwhelming. There are a lot of companies out there, and many of them look pretty similar. But the truth is, not all property management companies operate the same way.

By asking the right questions up front, you’ll quickly start to see the differences, and find the company that’s the right fit for you and your investment.

Here are seven questions every property owner should ask before hiring a property manager.

1. What Types of Properties Do You Specialize In?

Property management isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some companies focus on large apartment complexes, others on short-term vacation rentals, and some, like Golden Properties, specialize in single-family homes and long-term rentals.

The systems, marketing strategies, and even lease agreements vary dramatically depending on the type of property. Make sure the company you’re considering has real, proven experience managing the type of property you own.

2. How Do You Screen Tenants?

A thorough tenant screening process is one of the most important ways to protect your investment.

A strong property manager will go beyond just a credit check. They’ll review backgrounds, employment, income, rental history, and references, and even check public records and sex offender databases.

The goal isn’t just to fill a vacancy, it’s to place a reliable, respectful tenant who will care for your home and pay rent on time. Solid screening upfront prevents major issues down the road.

3. What’s Your Fee Structure and What’s Included?

This is where many property owners get caught off guard.

Some companies advertise low management fees but charge extra for basics like lease renewals, inspections, bill payments, or even responding to maintenance calls. Others make their contracts difficult to end, with long commitments or steep termination fees.

Ask for a clear breakdown of all fees and make sure you understand exactly what services are covered. Transparency is essential for a strong, long-term partnership.

4. How Do You Handle Maintenance and Repairs?

Every property needs maintenance eventually, and how your property manager handles it can make or break your owner experience.

Ask how they troubleshoot issues before sending a vendor, what kind of vendor network they rely on, and how they control costs over time. A professional company should also explain how they communicate with owners about larger repairs and confirm that all work is completed correctly and documented.

The right systems protect both your property and your bottom line.

5. How Are Financials and Updates Delivered?

As an owner, you should never be left in the dark about what’s happening with your property.

Most modern management companies use online owner portals where you can view real-time updates, monthly statements, and maintenance reports.

Ask how often you’ll receive financial statements and when distributions are paid. Clear, consistent reporting not only builds trust, but it makes your investment easier to track and grow.

6. What Does Your Lease Agreement Look Like?

The lease agreement is the foundation of every landlord–tenant relationship.

A professional property management company should use an attorney-prepared lease that’s fully compliant with local, state, and federal laws, and reviewed regularly to keep up with changing regulations.

Ask how their lease is structured and how often it’s updated. A strong, well-written lease helps avoid confusion and protects both you and your tenant from potential disputes.

7. How Do You Keep Your Business Aligned with the Owner’s Success?

This is the question that reveals how a company truly operates.

Some property managers make money regardless of whether the owner’s property performs well, through maintenance markups, long-term contracts, or unnecessary fees.

The best companies, however, design their systems so that when you succeed, they succeed.

That might look like month-to-month agreements, straightforward pricing, and a focus on long-term tenant retention and owner satisfaction.

When your goals are aligned, the relationship naturally becomes more productive and trustworthy.

Hiring a property manager is a major decision, you’re trusting someone with one of your biggest investments.

By asking these questions, you’ll gain the clarity you need to choose a partner who’s transparent, capable, and focused on your success.

At Golden Properties, we believe property management should be simple, honest, and personal. We specialize in long-term rentals across North Idaho, from Coeur d’Alene to Hayden, Post Falls, and beyond, and we treat every home as if it were our own.