So You Want to Hire a Property Management Company? Here’s What to Look For
- TurnKey Rental Management
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Let’s be honest—managing a rental property sounds a lot easier than it actually is. Between fixing leaky faucets, screening tenants, and answering 9 PM texts about thermostat settings, the “passive” in passive income quickly disappears.
That’s where a property management company comes in—but not all of them are created equal. Whether you're a first-time landlord or someone who's had one too many “friendly reminders” to tenants, here’s your ultimate guide to choosing the right property management team.
1. Local Expertise Matters
You want a team that knows the neighborhood like the back of their clipboard. A local property manager understands the rental market, tenant expectations, and even which day the garbage truck comes by (yes, that matters).
🗺️ Ask This: “How many properties do you manage in this area?”
2. Clear Communication is Non-Negotiable
Your property manager should be responsive, professional, and easy to reach. If they’re slow to respond during the hiring process, imagine what it’s like when your tenant calls them with a burst pipe.
📞 Look for: Regular updates, digital portals, and clear contact methods.
3. Transparent Fee Structure
You don’t want surprises—especially the kind that come with dollar signs. Make sure the company explains their fee structure clearly: management fees, leasing fees, renewal fees, etc.
💬 Pro Tip: A good company won’t dodge your pricing questions—they’ll walk you through them.
4. Tenant Screening Process
One of the biggest perks of hiring a property manager? Tenant screening. But make sure they’re doing more than just checking if the tenant has a pulse.
🔍 What to Ask: “What does your screening process include?” (Hint: You want to hear about credit checks, income verification, and rental history.)
5. Maintenance Handling (a.k.a. The Real Test)
A burst pipe at 3 AM? That’s not your problem anymore—it’s theirs. Ask how they handle maintenance requests, what their turnaround time is, and if they have a network of vetted vendors.
🔧 Bonus: Some companies offer an online maintenance request system. That’s landlord luxury.
6. Lease Agreement Management
Lease creation, renewals, and enforcement are all part of the job. A solid company knows the ins and outs of local landlord-tenant laws and drafts legally sound lease agreements that protect you and your property.
📝 Pro Tip: Ask if they handle move-in/move-out inspections too.
7. Reviews and Referrals
Before signing any contracts, do a little snooping. Check online reviews, ask for referrals, and see what other landlords have to say.
🕵️♀️ Red Flag: If you can’t find any reviews… you may want to keep looking.
8. Eviction Handling
No one wants to talk about evictions, but it’s part of the game. A good property manager should have a clear, lawful process in place if things go south.
⚖️ Ask This: “Have you handled evictions before? What’s your process?”
9. Tech Tools That Save Time
Digital tools make life easier for everyone—online rent payments, tenant portals, maintenance tracking, and more. Look for companies that embrace tech instead of clinging to paper checks and voicemail boxes.
💡 Look For: Online dashboards, automated alerts, and payment tracking.
10. A Vibe Check (Yes, Seriously)
You’re trusting this company with your property—it’s okay to go with your gut. If something feels off during the discovery call, it probably is.
✅ Green Flag: They’re clear, confident, organized, and genuinely interested in your property.
Final Thought: The Right Property Manager Makes All the Difference
Choosing a property management company is a big decision. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about peace of mind. Do your research, ask the right questions, and don’t settle for a team that doesn’t feel like the right fit.
Looking for a Property Management Team in the GTA?
We get it—your time is valuable. Get in touch with Turnkey Rental Management to see how we take the stress out of rentals and bring structure to property chaos.
Comments