Beyond the Basics – The Real Questions That Reveal Their True Competence
Most people ask about fees and experience—but if you want a property manager who protects your assets, maximizes returns, and actually makes your life easier, these are the real questions to ask:
1. How do you handle a tenant who stops paying rent—but still communicates with you?
This tells you if they have a negotiation strategy or if they immediately resort to eviction.
2. What’s the most creative solution you’ve used to avoid eviction?
A great manager thinks beyond the courtroom and knows how to protect your investment while avoiding unnecessary legal costs.
3. How do you screen for high-quality tenants beyond a credit score?
Smart managers look at rental history, behavioral patterns, and stability—not just numbers.
4. Can you walk me through a time you had to fire a tenant?
A tenant “firing” (legally and strategically removing a problem tenant) is a skill—not just an eviction process.
5. How do you handle unexpected major repairs when the owner is unavailable?
This reveals if they have strong decision-making abilities or just pass everything back to you.
6. What’s your approach to rent increases?
Some managers blindly follow the market—great ones know how to increase rent without losing great tenants.
7. What’s the longest an employee has been with your company, and why do they stay?
High turnover means instability. If their best people stick around, it’s a sign of strong leadership and a great company culture.
8. What’s your policy on late-night tenant emergencies?
You want someone with clear protocols (not someone who’s reactive or unavailable).
9. What’s your process for handling unauthorized occupants?
Squatters and “extra” roommates happen more than you think. A great PM spots and handles it early.
10. How do you minimize vacancy time between tenants?
Every day vacant is lost revenue. A good manager should have a tight turnaround strategy.
11. What’s your biggest frustration with owners, and how can I be a great client?
This flips the script and shows them you value the partnership.
12. If a contractor makes a mistake on a repair, how do you handle it?
A weak PM won’t push back—a strong one holds vendors accountable.
13. How do you handle tenants who are just difficult but not breaking the lease?
A PM should have strategies to de-escalate conflict and maintain stability.
14. What’s your philosophy on lease agreements?
You want airtight, protective leases that minimize loopholes.
15. Why should I hire you over a cheaper property manager?
If they can’t articulate their true value, they’re probably not the right fit.
Final Thought:
A property manager isn’t just there to collect rent and call a plumber. They are your asset protector, deal negotiator, and risk mitigator. Asking these questions ensures you’re hiring someone who thinks like an owner—not just an employee.