9 Smart Questions Landlords Should Ask Before Hiring a Property Manager | PMI Patron

9 Smart Questions Landlords Should Ask Before Hiring a Property Manager | PMI Patron

1. How Do You Handle Maintenance Issues?

Good Question:
 
“What’s your average turnaround time on maintenance requests?”

Great Question:
 
“How do you prioritize emergency vs. routine maintenance, and how do you document work completed for owners?”

Why It Matters:
 
Maintenance issues can lead to tenant frustration and property damage if not addressed quickly. You need a team that acts fast—and keeps you in the loop.

The PMI Patron Answer:
 
We operate a 24/7 emergency maintenance hotline and respond to routine requests within 48 hours. Every work order is tracked in your owner portal, complete with before-and-after photos, technician notes, and cost breakdowns so you’re never left guessing.


2. What’s Your Tenant Screening Process?

Good Question:
 
“What criteria do you use to approve tenants?”

Great Question:
 
“How do you balance protecting my property with staying compliant with Fair Housing laws?”

Why It Matters:
 
Placing the wrong tenant is costly. You want a process that’s both rigorous and legally sound.

The PMI Patron Answer:
 
Our screening includes credit, criminal, employment, rental history, and income verification. We strictly adhere to Fair Housing laws, ensuring every applicant is treated fairly while still protecting your asset.


3. How Do You Collect and Disburse Rent?

Good Question:
 
“When do I receive rent payments?”

Great Question:
 
“What systems do you use for rent collection, and how do you handle late payments or missed rent?”

Why It Matters:
 
Cash flow consistency is key for every landlord. Missed payments or poor systems put your financial goals at risk.

The PMI Patron Answer:
 
We use a secure online payment portal to make rent collection easy and consistent. Late fees are enforced automatically, and we follow up with tenants quickly. You receive disbursements by the 10th of each month, along with a full statement.


4. What Kind of Reporting Will I Receive?

Good Question:
 
“Will I get monthly statements?”

Great Question:
 
“What financial reports do you provide, and how do they help me make smarter investment decisions?”

Why It Matters:
 
Numbers tell the story of your portfolio’s performance. Great reporting enables strategic growth.

The PMI Patron Answer:
 
You receive monthly income statements, expense breakdowns, maintenance logs, and year-end tax summaries—accessible 24/7 through your secure portal. We also offer quarterly performance reviews if you’re looking to scale.

See Sample Property Management Report


5. How Do You Market Vacant Properties?

Good Question:
 
“How do you advertise rentals?”

Great Question:
 
“What’s your strategy for minimizing vacancy time and attracting high-quality tenants?”

Why It Matters:
 
Every vacant day costs money. You need a marketing system that works fast and smart.

The PMI Patron Answer:
 
We price homes using local market data and list them across 30+ rental websites, including Zillow and Apartments.com. Our professional photos, 3D virtual tours, and online scheduling tools attract top tenants quickly—often in under 21 days.


6. How Do You Handle Tenant Turnover?

Good Question:
 
“How do you manage move-outs?”

Great Question:
 
“What’s your process for handling turnover efficiently, including inspections, repairs, and re-marketing timelines?”

Why It Matters:
 
Turnover can take weeks—or worse, months—without a solid process. Fast transitions protect your income.

The PMI Patron Answer:
 
If a tenant moves out, we complete a move-out inspection within 24 hours, handle repairs with trusted vendors, and re-list your property the same week.


7. How Do You Protect My Property?

Good Question:
 
“Do you do regular property inspections?”

Great Question:
 
“How often do you inspect properties, what do you look for, and how do you involve owners in the process?”

Why It Matters:
 
Without regular eyes on your property, minor issues can snowball into major repairs.

The PMI Patron Answer:
 
We perform annual evaluations. You receive a detailed report with photos, maintenance notes, and recommendations. You’ll always know the condition of your home.


8. What’s Your Local Experience?

Good Question:
 
“How long have you been in property management?”

Great Question:
 
“What’s your connection to the Cypress area, and how does your local knowledge help protect my investment?”

Why It Matters:
 
A local manager knows market trends, tenant behaviors, and how to navigate city-specific regulations.

The PMI Patron Answer:
 
Rob Sittman, owner of PMI Patron, grew up in Cypress, played sports at local schools, and is deeply involved in the community. We know the neighborhoods, tenant expectations, and local laws like the back of our hand—which helps you make smarter decisions.

The Peaceful Landlord


9. What Sets You Apart From Other Property Managers?

Good Question:
 
“What makes your company different?”

Great Question:
 
“What’s your long-term philosophy as a property manager, and how do you partner with landlords to grow their portfolios?”

Why It Matters:
 
You’re not just hiring help—you’re choosing a partner. Vision, alignment, and trust matter.

The PMI Patron Answer:
 
Our goal is long-term success—for you and your property. We don’t just manage homes; we build relationships. Whether you have one rental or a growing portfolio, we offer expert guidance, personalized service, and local insight every step of the way.

PMI Patron Welcome Guide

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