10 Things Every Landlord Should Know Before Hiring a Property Manager

Define Your Expectations

Before you hire anyone, ask yourself:

– Do you want full-service management or just tenant placement?
– Do you want monthly updates or hands-off investing?

Pro Tip: The right manager should be able to tailor their service to your level of involvement

Look for transparency. Know what’s included in the monthly fee and what costs extra. Avoid companies with hidden fees or vague pricing.

Pro Tip: Ask if they take a percentage of rent or use a flat fee model

Quality tenants make or break your returns. A good screening process should include:

– Background checks
– Credit history
– Employment and reference verification

Maintenance issues can erode your returns if not handled promptly. Ask:

– Do they have vetted tradespeople on call?
– Will they get quotes before doing repairs?
– Can you set a maintenance approval limit?

Pro Tip: A good manager protects your time and your bottom line.

– How often will they update you?
– Do you have a dedicated property manager?
– Can you call or email directly?

Pro Tip: Good communication builds trust and avoids surprises.

They should be familiar with the Residential Tenancies Act and Christchurch-specific regulations. This protects you from fines and legal issues.

Look for reviews, case studies, or references from other property owners. Real stories give you insight into how they actually perform.

You should have 24/7 access to:

– Financial reports
– Maintenance updates
– Lease documents

Pro Tip: A modern portal is a sign of a well-run company.

How do they handle late rent or rule-breaking tenants? Make sure they have a clear, legal, and firm process for dealing with issues.

A Christchurch-based company knows:

– Local rental trends
– Reliable contractors
– How to attract the right tenants

Pro Tip: Local knowledge boosts performance and peace of mind.