Property Management FAQs- Dean Commercial Real Estate 

What can a property manager do for me?

A property manager handles rent collection, tenant screening, lease enforcement, maintenance coordination, and compliance with local laws. For Huntsville property owners, this means stable rental income, reduced stress, and professional oversight of day-to-day operations.

How much does hiring a property manager cost?

Most Huntsville property managers charge between 5% and 10% of the the monthly rent for residential properties. Commercial property management often ranges from 3% to 4.5% of gross rent, plus separate leasing or maintenance fees. Always review fee breakdowns in the contract.

What additional fees should I look out for in a property management contract?

Beyond the base percentage, fees may include tenant placement, lease renewals, vendor markups, late payment handling, or eviction filings. Request a complete fee schedule and sample invoice to avoid unexpected costs.

What are the benefits of hiring a property manager?

Hiring a property manager saves time, reduces vacancy rates, improves tenant quality, ensures legal compliance, and streamlines rent collection. Many owners find the convenience and increased ROI outweigh the management fee.

What should I look for in a property manager?

Look for local experience, proper licensing, liability insurance, transparent accounting, and strong communication skills. Checking reviews and references ensures you hire someone who manages tenants and properties effectively.

What red flags should I avoid when hiring a property manager?

Avoid managers without contracts, who lack insurance, are unclear about fees, or refuse to provide references. Excessive upfront charges and poor communication are also common warning signs of unreliable service.

How do property managers screen tenants and handle evictions?

Property managers screen tenants with credit, background, income, and rental history checks. If eviction becomes necessary, they follow local law by issuing notices, filing paperwork, and coordinating with the courts on behalf of the owner.

How often should inspections occur in property management?

Most managers conduct quarterly inspections, with additional checks performed at move-in, move-out, and lease renewal. Regular inspections protect property value, identify maintenance needs early, and ensure tenants follow lease terms.

What’s the difference between full-service and limited property management?

Full-service management covers everything from leasing and maintenance to accounting and legal compliance. Limited service may exclude tenant placement or repairs, leaving owners responsible for certain tasks. The choice depends on how hands-on you want to be.

Can a property manager increase my return on investment?

Yes. By setting optimal rental rates, reducing vacancies, enforcing lease terms, and coordinating cost-effective maintenance, a skilled property manager can maximize rental income and long-term asset value.

What questions should I ask before hiring a property manager?

Ask about their fee structure, tenant screening process, inspection frequency, eviction handling, communication style, and references from other clients. These questions reveal their reliability and fit for your property.

Do tenants think property management fees are too high?

Some tenants and owners on forums argue that management fees (often 8–10%) feel expensive, especially for smaller properties. However, the time saved and legal protection usually outweigh the cost for most landlords.

How can I switch property managers without upsetting tenants?

Provide notice in accordance with your contract, transfer records to the new manager, and inform the tenants promptly. Coordinating a joint inspection and smooth handover ensures tenant confidence during the transition.

How much do commercial property managers charge compared to residential ones?

Commercial property management typically costs 3%–4.5% of the gross rent, plus fees for leasing and contractor services. Residential property management tends to be higher, averaging 5%–10% of the monthly rent, due to its smaller scale and higher tenant turnover.

What’s included in a typical property management contract?

Contracts usually cover rent collection, tenant communication, maintenance coordination, accounting, and legal compliance. They outline services provided, management fees, owner responsibilities, and termination terms—clarifying expectations upfront.