What Questions Should I Ask a Property Manager Before Hiring?
Updated: 3 days ago
Choosing the right property manager is one of the most important decisions a landlord can make. Your property is a valuable asset, and the person managing it should treat it with the same care and attention that you do.
Having worked in property management and the short-term rental industry, I've seen first-hand the difference a great property manager can make. I've also seen landlords get stung by bad tenants and poor management, leaving them with damaged properties, unnecessary stress, and a feeling that nobody is truly looking after their investment.
For me, property management has never been about building the biggest portfolio possible. It's about building relationships, supporting landlords, and creating a community where owners know they have someone in their corner.
If you're considering hiring a property manager, here are the questions I believe every property owner should ask.
How Will You Market My Property?
Marketing is one of the biggest factors in determining whether your property performs well.
Simply putting a listing online and hoping for bookings isn't enough. A good property manager should have a clear strategy for presenting your property in the best possible way and ensuring it reaches the right guests.
Some questions worth asking include:
Do you use professional photography?
How do you optimise listings?
Which booking platforms do you advertise on?
Do you have plans to generate direct bookings?
How do you maximise occupancy and revenue?
One area I'm particularly passionate about is making sure every property stands out. Professional photographs, well-written listings, and visibility across several online travel agents can make a huge difference.
I'm also investing in SEO and direct booking strategies because relying solely on third-party platforms isn't enough for long-term growth. Encouraging guests to make direct bookings helps reduce unnecessary fees, strengthens relationships with returning guests, and creates a better long-term experience for both landlords and travellers.
What Systems Do You Have in Place for Guest Screening and Security?
Protecting a property should always be a priority.
Unfortunately, I've seen landlords suffer because guests have damaged their homes. Situations like these are stressful and costly, which is why asking about guest screening and security procedures is essential.
Some important questions to ask include:
How are guests screened?
What measures are in place to prevent parties and damage?
How do you handle complaints or emergencies?
What security procedures are followed?
How quickly are issues resolved?
Good systems create peace of mind for both landlords and guests.
A property manager should have clear processes in place rather than dealing with problems reactively. Prevention is always better than cure.
What Makes Your Service Different From Larger Companies?
This is one of the most important questions a landlord can ask.
Many large companies focus heavily on growing their portfolios. While there is nothing wrong with expansion, I've always believed landlords deserve more than becoming another number on a spreadsheet.
My goal has always been to create something more personal.
I only want to take on properties where I know I can genuinely make a difference. I believe communication matters, relationships matter, and being available for landlords matters.
At the end of the day, people want to know that somebody genuinely cares about their property.
That's something no software system or large portfolio can replace.
Will I Be Just Another Property?
This question often reveals a lot about a company's values.
Some businesses are focused on quantity.
I believe in quality.
Landlords should feel comfortable asking:
How many properties do you currently manage?
How often will we communicate?
Who will be my point of contact?
Will I have direct access to you?
One of the biggest compliments I've received from my first landlords is that they appreciate the effort and care I'm putting into their properties.
Being a smaller company allows me to provide a more personal service, and I see that as a strength rather than a limitation.
Does Your Property Manager Continue Learning?
Nobody knows everything.
In fact, I think one of the biggest mistakes people make in business is believing they already have all the answers.
I've only been in the industry for over six months learning, before working with a selected landlord, we worked together to see what they want out of this, I took the time to understand their requirements, and make this a safe space for everyone, but I've learned that growth comes from surrounding yourself with great mentors,
being part of a strong community, and staying open to learning.
I've made mistakes, just like everyone does.
But every challenge becomes an opportunity to improve.
A property manager who thinks they know everything can become dangerous. A property manager who is willing to learn, adapt, and find solutions will continue delivering better results.
Does Your Property Manager Understand the Guest Experience?
One of the reasons I love this industry is because I genuinely enjoy using Airbnb myself.
I understand what guests value because I've been in their position.
When I stay somewhere, I appreciate clear communication, a welcoming environment, and hosts who are willing to help when needed.
That's exactly the kind of experience I want every guest to have.
Empathy matters.
Understanding both the landlord's goals and the guest's expectations creates better experiences for everyone involved.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a property manager shouldn't just be about finding somebody who can collect bookings or oversee maintenance.
It should be about finding someone who genuinely cares.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adam Daniels-Smith is a Property Manager Agent, in the short-term rental space, whether this be through a trusted online travel agent, or directly booked through this website.
Genuine & Respectful, Adam delivers a personal, yet fun approach when dealing with his guests, or clients from the landlord side of things. To learn more click here
Comments