Why the interview matters
Most owners hire a property manager after one phone call and a quick look at their website. Then they find out about the renewal fee, or the repair markup, a year later.
A 20-minute conversation with the right questions saves a lot of that. Use this list with every company you talk to, and write down the answers so you can compare.
Questions about tenants
How do you screen applicants?
A good answer is specific: a written standard, applied to every adult applicant. Ours is point-based and checks credit, income, rental history, background and eviction history. A vague answer like "we get a feel for people" is a red flag.
Where do you advertise?
The more places a listing shows up, the faster it usually rents. We list on 14+ rental platforms.
How long do your rentals usually sit empty?
They may not have a precise number, but they should be able to talk about it honestly and explain what they do to shorten it.
Do you require renter's insurance?
It protects the tenant's belongings and can cover liability they cause. We require it on every lease.
Questions about repairs
Who actually does the repairs?
Many managers use outside vendors. Ask directly. At Badger, repairs are in-house, led by our owner Cory Hinderager, a licensed contractor and HVAC tech.
Do you add a markup to repair invoices?
Some do, some don't. You want to know before you sign. We don't charge a vendor markup.
What's the spending limit before you call me?
There should be an agreed amount. Below it, they just fix the problem. Above it, they check with you, except in a true emergency.
How do you handle after-hours emergencies?
A burst pipe at midnight needs a plan, not a voicemail box.
Questions about money
Can I see every fee in writing?
This is the most important question on the list. Ask about the monthly fee, leasing fee, renewal fee, setup fee, inspection fees and anything else. Our guide to fees to watch for in a management contract lists the common ones.
When and how do I get paid?
Ask when owner payments go out each month and how you'll see statements. Every Badger owner gets an owner portal.
Where are tenant security deposits held?
Idaho law requires a third-party manager to keep deposits in a separate account at a federally insured bank, apart from its operating account, with a few exceptions such as real estate licensees. A manager should be able to answer this without hesitating.
Questions about the contract
How long is the agreement?
Some companies want a year or more. We don't use long-term contracts.
What does it cost to leave?
Look for cancellation fees, required notice periods and whether they can keep charging fees on a tenant they placed after you leave. If you ever do need to change companies, here's how switching property management companies works.
What happens at lease renewal?
Ask if there's a renewal fee. Badger doesn't charge one.
Questions about communication
Who's my contact, and how fast do you respond?
You want a person and a realistic response time. A call center that rotates you between strangers is frustrating when something's actually wrong.
Do you own rentals yourself?
It's not required, but managers who own rentals tend to think like owners. We own rental property ourselves.
What areas do you cover?
Make sure they actually work where your property is. We cover Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Star, Caldwell, Kuna and Middleton.
Questions about your specific property
What do you think my home will rent for?
A good manager will give you a range based on comparable rentals nearby, and explain it. Be wary of a high number with no reasoning. It can be a way to win your business, followed by weeks of vacancy.
What would you fix before listing it?
Their answer shows whether they've actually thought about your property or are reading from a script.
Do you manage homes like mine?
A single-family house, a duplex and an Airbnb are different jobs. Ask what share of their work looks like yours.
Listen for how they answer
Clear, quick answers are a good sign. So is a company willing to say "that's not a fit for us" if your property isn't their specialty.
Be cautious if they promise a specific rent before seeing the home, dodge the fee question or push you to sign that day.
For more on what the job includes, see what a property manager actually does. And for the full decision, start with our guide to choosing a property management company in the Treasure Valley.
The takeaway
Bring the same list to every company and compare answers in writing. The right manager will be happy you asked.
You're welcome to run every question on this page by us. Reach out or call (208) 812-2717.
