We had a client who skipped the research when choosing their property manager. At first, no issues popped up.
However, the cracks soon began to appear.
Rent wasn’t collected on time. Repairs were delayed. Communication was spotty. It slowly became a nightmare. And when they finally parted ways, they were more stressed than when they started.
If you own property in The Hills or anywhere in Sydney and you want it to work for you (not the other way around), hiring the right property manager is one of the wisest moves you can make.
But here’s the catch: not all property managers are created equal.
So before you sign on the dotted line, here are 10 questions to ask. Not just the kind you throw out politely. These are the real ones, the ones that will help you see who’s got the potential to have your back when things go south.
1. “How many properties do you manage?”
This one seems simple, but it says a lot.
Too few and they might be inexperienced. Too many and your property might not get the attention it deserves.
Ideally, you want a manager who has enough experience and time to focus on your property.
2. “What areas do you specialise in?”
Some property managers are jack-of-all-trades. Others focus on specific suburbs or property types. If they know The Hills District well, they’ll have local trades on speed dial, know the market trends, and understand what kind of tenants are looking in your area.
3. “Can you walk me through how you screen tenants?”
A good tenant can make property ownership feel like a dream.
A bad one? Not going to talk about that one!
A thorough tenant screening process includes proper credit checks, rental history check, meticulous income verification, and cross-checking references.
Bonus points if they have a few red-flag stories (because from our very own experiences, I can say that we all learn from our battle scars).
4. “How do you handle maintenance and repairs?”
No one likes late-night calls about leaking ceilings and clogged up toilets.
A solid property manager will have a process: preferred tradespeople who can handle the heavy work, transparent and reasonable quotes, and justifiable timelines you can count on. Ask if you get to approve major expenses.
If they say “Don’t worry, we handle everything,” ask again.
5. “What’s your fee structure?”
It’s not just about the lowest price. Ask about management fees, lease renewal charges, inspection costs, and admin fees.
The goal? No surprises.
Because nothing says “red flag” like a hidden charge that shows up three months in.
6. “How often do you communicate with landlords?”
This one is big.
Will they call you with updates?
Email monthly reports?
Only reach out when there’s trouble?
Set expectations early so you’re not left getting anxious about what’s going on.
You need to feel looped in, not left out — especially when it’s about your property.
7. “How do you handle difficult tenants or disputes?”
We hope it never happens, but sometimes it does.
We’re talking about evictions, late payments, and even contract breaches. These things require calm, experience, professionalism, and a clear process.
Their answer should make you feel reassured, not skeptical.
8. “What technology or systems do you use?”
This isn’t about fancy apps. We mean online portals, digital statements and paperwork, and automated reminders that can make your life easier and communications more accessible.
Tech isn’t everything, but it sure helps when you’re managing a property alongside your career family, and everything else in between.
9. “Can I speak to a current client?”
Word of mouth is gold.
If a property manager is doing great work, their current clients will be happy to say so.
Don’t feel shy about asking. It’s your investment, your money, your peace of mind.
10. “Why do you do what you do?”
Okay, this one might sound ‘personal’. But hear me out.
You would want to know their why.
Are they just clocking in? Or are they genuinely passionate about helping property owners like you thrive?
Their answer might reveal something that will help your gut decide whether to give them a go or not.
Wrapping Up
Hiring a property manager isn’t just a checkbox.
And we believe that, like any good relationship, it starts with an honest conversation, your shared beliefs and values, and clear expectations.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by it all, that’s okay. Not everyone has the resources to figure things out perfectly.
That’s what we’re here for.
We have worked with high-income property owners across The Hills who want to turn their real estate business into a stress-free, income-generating asset and we’d love to do the same for you.
Let’s chat about your needs over coffee. All kinds of questions are welcome.
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