Ask the Right Questions When Hiring a Property Manager

Owning a rental property can be rewarding—but managing it can also become a full-time job. From resident screening to maintenance, accounting, and legal compliance, the day-to-day workload adds up quickly.

That’s why many real estate investors choose to partner with a professional property management company. At On Q Property Management, we handle every detail so you can focus on your investment goals.

This guide outlines what to expect during your onboarding process, whether you’re a first-time landlord or transitioning from another manager.

1. The Discovery Stage: Choosing the Right Property Manager

Before signing any agreement, do your research. A professional property manager should be transparent, communicative, and focused on your needs. Ask these key questions:

• Do you offer 24/7 maintenance and emergency repairs?
• What legal or compliance services do you provide?
• How can I track rent collection, maintenance, and financials?
• Are your fees flat-rate or percentage-based?
• What guarantees or cancellation policies do you provide?

👉 Learn more about how On Q stands out with flat-rate pricing and a no hidden fees guarantee on our Owner Services page.

2. The Management Agreement: Defining the Scope of Services

Once you’ve selected a property manager, you’ll sign a management agreement outlining what’s included. With On Q, this typically covers:

Leasing & Marketing

Professional photos, virtual tours, and syndication to top rental websites help your property attract quality residents quickly.
Learn how we fill vacancies faster: Property Management Services

Rent Collection & Accounting

We process all resident payments, issue detailed owner statements, and manage tax documentation (like 1099s) for your convenience.
Read the details in our Owner FAQ.

Maintenance & Repairs

From small repairs to emergency calls, we coordinate with vetted vendors and ensure transparent approval and communication through your owner portal.

Compliance & Legal Oversight

Our team handles lease enforcement, notices, and evictions, while ensuring your property remains compliant with local laws, HOA rules, and Fair Housing regulations.

3. Preparing for Onboarding: Setting the Foundation

After signing the agreement, your property manager will gather essential information and prepare your property for a seamless transition.

Document Collection

You’ll provide lease agreements, service records, utility details, and any existing resident information.

Property Walkthrough & Inspection

A full inspection documents the property’s current condition. This protects both you and your residents by establishing a clear baseline.

Vendor Setup & Emergency Planning

We establish 24/7 emergency response procedures and set maintenance approval thresholds so you’re never caught off guard by costs.

Portal Setup

You’ll receive login credentials for your Owner Portal, where you can view performance metrics, maintenance requests, and real-time updates.

4. The First Month: What Happens After You Sign Up

During the first few weeks, your property manager takes over all daily operations.

Week 1

• Transition of leases, keys, and records
• Activation of maintenance and communication systems
• Marketing launch if the property is vacant

Weeks 2–4

• Resident introductions and onboarding
• Lease renewals or new move-ins
• Initial inspections and maintenance coordination
• Delivery of your first monthly financial statement

Your management team will keep you informed at every step—ensuring you feel confident and connected to your investment.

5. Long-Term Success: Owner Responsibilities and Checkpoints

Even with full-service management, you’ll want to stay engaged at key milestones:

• Quarterly Reviews: Evaluate rent strategy, cash flow, and maintenance plans.
• Annual Lease Assessments: Adjust rent rates and renew residents strategically.
• Capital Improvements: Approve major repairs or upgrades.

On Q provides a no-fee cancellation policy and one-year resident guarantee, so you can trust we’ll keep earning your business month after month.

👉 Explore our Owner Services to learn more.

6. Why On Q Property Management Works for Owners

Owners choose On Q for our proven systems and commitment to transparency. Our flat-fee pricing, 24/7 maintenance response, and resident retention programs are designed to simplify ownership.

• Transparency: Clear communication, no surprise fees.
• Accountability: Service guarantees and easy cancellations.
• Technology: Real-time dashboards for complete oversight.
• Scalability: Perfect for single homes or large portfolios.

Learn how our approach works: How On Q Property Management Helps Owners

7. Legal & Compliance Essentials for Property Owners

Even with a management company in place, property owners remain legally responsible for maintaining compliance. Here are some key reminders:

• The lease agreement is always between the landlord and resident.
• Ensure your management contract specifies insurance, liability, and indemnification details.
• Stay informed on state and local landlord-resident laws—including Fair Housing, habitability standards, and eviction procedures.

For Arizona landlords, visit the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for current regulations.

Final Thoughts: A Partnership Built on Trust

Hiring a property manager isn’t just about outsourcing—it’s about forming a partnership that protects your investment and enhances your returns.

At On Q Property Management, our mission is simple: deliver the highest standard of service while helping you maximize your rental income and peace of mind.

If you’re ready to make the switch or explore our services, visit our Get Started page to request a custom management quote.