It is no secret that the market is awash with people  claiming to be in the business of property management.

Unfortunately, your expectations and the service delivered can actually be disturbingly different. And worse, you often don’t know that what you  have been promised will not being delivered until you have employed the services of that property manager. As part of the Priority ethos of integrity, professionalism and exemplary standards of service we provide a service guarantee and suggest you ask the following questions of a prospective property manager before signing on the dotted line.

If at the end of the exercise, the answers are less than satisfactory, particularly when compared to the service of Priority, we have made the process of changing your business easy and stress free.

The rental process

• What is the agency's ratio of properties to property managers?
• What is the agency's average rate of vacant weeks per year?
• How many staff are dedicated to the rental property arm of the business?
• Do staff members escort all prospective tenants through the rental property?
• When are showings and open homes scheduled? Are they scheduled after hours and on weekends to ensure the largest possible pool of potential tenants will be available?
• How are rental properties marketed?
• What is involved in the tenant selection process?
• What are the main terms included in the property rental agreement?

The property management service

• What level of training do the property management staff have?
• Does the agency have a policy of ongoing training to stay abreast of legal requirements and industry developments and innovations?
• How often is the property inspected and what is the inspection process?
• What is the process for dealing with rent arrears?
• What is the process for dealing with repairs and maintenance?
• What is the process for ensuring all contractors working on the property are appropriately qualified and charge at a competitive rate?
• What is the process for collecting, receipting and depositing rent?
• What financial controls are in place to negate financial loss should the agency become insolvent?
• What financial reports will I receive and how often?
• Can you send me rent statements by email and deposit my money in my bank account electronically?

The levels of service

• When is the property manager available to be contacted?
• Does the agency have verifiable testimonials from clients available to view?
• Does the agency provide a service guarantee?
• Does the agency have documented service standards?
• Does the agency have the expertise to recommend property improvements to enhance rental value and advise when a rent review may be appropriate?
• What minimum communications can I expect and when do these occur?