Not all property managers are created equal — and as a landlord, asking the right questions upfront can save you a lot of time, stress, and lost income down the line.
Whether you’re a first-time investor or you’ve got a portfolio of rentals, here are five smart questions that will help you find the right property management partner — and why they matter.
1. How do you minimise vacancy and find quality tenants?
A good property manager doesn’t just list your property — they lease it strategically.
Ask about:
- How early they advertise before the current lease ends
- Which platforms they use (e.g. REA, Domain, social media)
- How they screen tenants beyond the application form
- What their average days on market and vacancy rates are
Our approach: We aim to list properties as early as legally possible, promote them across multiple channels, and conduct mid-week and weekend inspections to maximise interest. Every applicant is thoroughly screened with reference checks, rental history, and income verification.
2. How often will I hear from you, and how do you communicate?
A lack of communication is one of the top reasons landlords switch agents.
Ask how frequently they’ll update you — especially during leasing, repairs, and inspections. Also check whether you’ll deal with the same person consistently.
Our approach: You’ll have a single point of contact backed by our local team. We communicate proactively — not just when something goes wrong — and you’ll receive detailed updates during leasing, inspections, and any maintenance events.
3. What happens when repairs are needed?
Repairs can become a pain point if not handled promptly, transparently, or cost-effectively.
Ask:
- How they manage maintenance requests
- Who pays for what, and what authorisation limits apply
- Whether they use licensed, insured trades
Our approach: We only use trusted, local tradespeople. All non-urgent repairs are approved by you first, and we provide full quotes and invoices. We also negotiate competitive rates for routine maintenance to protect your return.
4. How do you handle rent reviews and routine inspections?
This question shows how proactive the agency really is. Ask:
How often inspections are conducted and what’s included in the report
How often rents are reviewed and what data is used
What happens if a tenant’s not looking after the property
Our approach: We conduct regular routine inspections in line with QLD legislation and provide detailed photo reports. We review rents at least annually based on market data, and always advocate for your return.
5. What’s included in your fees — and what’s extra?
Cheap doesn’t always mean cost-effective. Some agencies offer low management fees but charge extra for inspections, monthly statements, EOFY reports, or lease renewals. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
Our approach: Our fees are competitive, transparent, and designed to offer full-service support without nickel-and-diming you. We’re happy to share our full fee schedule and walk you through what’s included.
Final tip: Don’t just compare numbers — compare support.
The right property manager doesn’t just collect rent. They protect your asset, keep your tenants happy, and help you grow your returns.
Ask questions. Trust your gut. And make sure your chosen agency actually walks the walk.