Hiring a property management company can take the stress out of being a landlord. The right team can handle tenant relations, rent collection, maintenance, and compliance with California’s strict rental laws. But before you sign a contract, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure the company is the right fit for your property.
Here are the top 10 questions every landlord should ask before hiring a property management company.
1. What Services Do You Offer?
Not all companies provide the same level of service. Some focus only on tenant placement, while others offer full-service management including rent collection, maintenance, inspections, and accounting. Make sure their services match your needs.
2. How Do You Screen Tenants?
Tenant screening is one of the most important steps in protecting your investment. Ask about their process—do they check credit, rental history, employment, and references? A strong screening system reduces the risk of late payments and property damage.
3. What Are Your Management Fees?
Most property management companies in California charge between 6–10% of the monthly rent. Ask for a breakdown of fees and find out if they charge extra for things like tenant placement, lease renewals, or property inspections.
4. How Do You Handle Maintenance and Repairs?
Repairs can make or break a landlord’s budget. Ask whether they use in-house staff or third-party contractors, and how they control costs. Transparency in repair approvals and vendor selection is essential.
5. How Often Will I Receive Financial Reports?
Clear and timely reporting is key. The best companies offer monthly statements with detailed income and expense breakdowns, often through an online owner portal. This keeps you updated and helps you track ROI.
6. What Is Your Vacancy Rate?
A company’s ability to keep properties occupied says a lot about their effectiveness. Compare their average vacancy rate to the local market. A skilled property management company should have strong marketing strategies to minimize downtime.
7. How Do You Handle Tenant Communication?
Tenant satisfaction directly impacts lease renewals and property performance. Ask how quickly they respond to tenant inquiries and what systems they use to track requests. A responsive manager reduces turnover.
8. What Experience Do You Have With California’s Rental Laws?
California has strict regulations, especially in cities like San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland. From rent control to eviction procedures, a company’s legal expertise can save you from costly mistakes.
9. How Do You Handle Lease Renewals and Rent Increases?
Your property’s long-term success depends on keeping good tenants while ensuring fair rent growth. Ask how they approach lease renewals and whether they conduct market analysis before adjusting rents.
10. Can You Provide References From Current Clients?
A trustworthy property management company should be willing to share references. Speaking with other landlords gives you insight into how the company performs on a daily basis.
The right property management company will not only protect your investment but also help you maximize returns and reduce stress. By asking these 10 questions, you’ll be able to identify the best partner for your rental property in California.
At California Pacific Realty, we welcome your questions because we believe in complete transparency. From tenant screening to full-service management, our goal is to help landlords achieve peace of mind and long-term profitability.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you manage your rental property with confidence.