17 Property Manager Interview Questions and Answers

If you’re looking for a career in property management, you’ll need to be able to answer some tough questions during your job interview. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a list of questions commonly asked in property manager interviews, along with some sample answers to help you prepare.

Are you familiar with property management software?

Property management software is a common tool used by property managers to keep track of their properties and tenants. The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience using the same or similar tools in your previous roles. In your answer, explain which property management software you’re familiar with and how it helped you complete your job duties.

Example: “I’ve worked in property management for five years now, and I’m very familiar with several different types of property management software. At my last company, we used Property Manager Pro, which was helpful for keeping track of all our properties’ financials, tenant information and more. It also allowed us to collaborate on projects and tasks with other team members.”

What are some of the most important qualities for a successful property manager?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the qualities they’re looking for in a property manager. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention some of the skills and traits that are listed on your resume or cover letter. This can show the interviewer that you possess these important qualities.

Example: “I believe that one of the most important qualities for a successful property manager is communication. Property managers need to communicate with many different people, including tenants, landlords, vendors and other staff members. I also think organization is very important because property managers often manage large amounts of data. Finally, I think problem-solving skills are essential because there are always issues that arise when managing properties.”

How would you deal with a tenant who is not complying with the terms of their lease?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your conflict resolution skills and ability to enforce the terms of a lease. In your answer, try to show that you can be firm but also empathetic when working with tenants who are not complying with their lease agreements.

Example: “I would first meet with the tenant in person to discuss the issue. I would explain why they are violating the terms of their lease and give them an opportunity to fix the problem or provide me with a reasonable explanation for why they cannot comply with the lease agreement. If the tenant still does not comply after our meeting, I would send them a formal letter outlining the violation and what steps they need to take to resolve it.”

What is your process for evaluating potential new tenants?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your screening process and how you ensure that tenants are a good fit for the property. Use your answer to highlight your ability to make decisions based on facts, rather than relying on personal opinions or biases.

Example: “I start by reviewing their credit history and criminal record. I also look at any rental history they have, as well as references from previous landlords. If the tenant has no rental history, I will call their employer to verify employment. Finally, I always meet with the potential tenant in person before signing them to a lease.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision regarding a property issue.

This question can help the interviewer understand how you make decisions and solve problems. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and leadership qualities.

Example: “In my last property management position, I had a tenant who was consistently late on rent payments. The tenant would always have an excuse for why they were late, but eventually, it became clear that they weren’t going to be able to pay their rent on time. I decided to give them one more chance by giving them two weeks of grace before we started eviction proceedings. They ended up paying their rent on time for the next six months.”

If we hired you as our property manager, what would be your priorities?

This question is a great way for employers to learn more about your management style and how you would approach the position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to list three or four of the most important aspects of property management that are relevant to the job description.

Example: “My top priorities as a property manager would be customer service, budgeting and financial planning and tenant relations. I believe these are all crucial to ensuring the success of any property management company. For example, if tenants aren’t happy with their living situation, they may look elsewhere for housing. This could lead to vacancies in our buildings, which means we’re not collecting rent revenue. Similarly, if we don’t have a good relationship with our tenants, we might have issues collecting rent on time.

I also think customer service is an important priority because it’s essential to maintaining positive relationships with both tenants and landlords. If either party isn’t satisfied with our services, they may choose to work with another property management company. Finally, I think budgeting and financial planning are important because they allow me to ensure my company has enough money to cover its expenses.”

What would you do if you noticed signs of vandalism on the property?

Property managers often have to deal with unexpected situations, such as vandalism. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle these types of problems and keep the property safe for residents. In your answer, explain how you would respond to a situation like this one. Explain that you would call the police and file an insurance claim.

Example: “If I noticed signs of vandalism on a property, I would immediately call the police and file an insurance claim. Then, I would work with the resident to help them get their home back in order. If they needed any additional support or resources, I would do my best to find them.”

How well do you know the local zoning laws and regulations?

The interviewer may ask this question to see how familiar you are with the local laws and regulations that affect their property. This can be an important part of your job as a property manager, so they want to make sure you have the knowledge necessary to do your job well. In your answer, try to show that you understand what zoning laws are and why they’re important.

Example: “I know that it’s essential for me to understand the local zoning laws because I need to ensure our properties comply with them. For example, if we had a building that was zoned commercial but we were renting it out as residential, we could get in trouble for that. I’ve worked in several different areas throughout my career, so I’m familiar with many of the common zoning laws.”

Do you have experience working with contractors?

Property managers often work with contractors to make repairs and upgrades to their buildings. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience working with contractors, as well as how you managed those relationships. In your answer, share a specific example of when you worked with a contractor and what the outcome was.

Example: “I’ve had to work with many different types of contractors in my previous property management job. I find that it’s important to be clear about exactly what you want done and communicate any concerns or questions you may have. If there are budget constraints, I try to find ways to save money on projects so we can afford more improvements later.”

When is the best time to renew a lease with a tenant?

This question can help the interviewer determine your leasing skills and how you apply them to benefit a property. Use examples from previous experience to show that you know when it’s best to renew a lease with a tenant, which can help you maintain positive relationships with residents and keep turnover low.

Example: “I find that the best time to renew a lease is at least three months before the current lease ends. This gives me enough time to prepare for renewal paperwork and ensures I have plenty of time to address any issues or concerns the tenant may have about their lease. It also allows me to ensure all maintenance requests are addressed by the time the lease expires.”

We want to increase tenant engagement. How would you do that?

This question is an opportunity to show your creativity and problem-solving skills. Your answer should include a few ideas that you would implement if you were hired for the property manager position.

Example: “I think it’s important to have regular communication with tenants, so I would send out monthly newsletters about upcoming events in the area or information on how they can save money by using energy-efficient appliances. I would also hold quarterly tenant meetings where we could discuss any issues that may be affecting their experience living at our property. This way, I can ensure that all of my tenants are happy and know who to contact if they need help.”

Describe your process for inspecting a property before a new tenant moves in.

The interviewer may ask you this question to understand how you use your skills and experience to complete a task. Use examples from previous experiences in which you inspected a property before new tenants moved in, ensuring that the property was ready for occupancy.

Example: “I always start by inspecting the exterior of the property, including any landscaping or outdoor amenities like pools or parking lots. I then inspect the interior of the property, looking for any damage or uncleanliness. If there are any issues with the property, I communicate them to the landlord so they can make repairs before the tenant moves in.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and abilities.

Example: “I have five years of experience as a property manager, which makes me an ideal candidate for this position. I also have excellent communication skills, so I am confident I can work with tenants and landlords to solve any issues they may be having. Another reason why I would be a great fit is because I am familiar with the local area, so I know where to find quality properties.”

Which property management software do you prefer to use?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience using the software they use at their company. If you don’t have experience with the same software, consider mentioning a different property management software and how it helped you in your previous role.

Example: “I’ve used several property management software programs throughout my career, but I prefer to use PMPro because of its ability to manage tenant payments, maintenance requests and other important tasks. It’s also easy to learn and navigate, which makes it easier for me to train new employees on how to use it.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when managing a property?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you understand the responsibilities of a property manager. Use this question as an opportunity to highlight your organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks.

Example: “I think it’s important to remember that every tenant has different needs, so I always make sure to listen to my residents when they reach out with questions or concerns. It’s also important to me to keep track of all maintenance requests and ensure that repairs are completed in a timely manner. Finally, I think it’s essential to maintain good relationships with vendors and contractors who work on-site.”

How often should you perform routine maintenance on a property?

The interviewer may ask you this question to assess your knowledge of property management. Your answer should include a specific time frame for performing routine maintenance and the reasons why it’s important.

Example: “I recommend that property managers perform routine maintenance on their properties at least once every six months. This allows me to check all systems, including plumbing, heating and air conditioning units, electrical outlets and appliances. I can also make sure that any repairs are completed before they become more costly or dangerous. Routine maintenance is an essential part of being a property manager because it helps ensure the safety of residents and protects the reputation of the company.”

There is a bug infestation in one of the units. What is your process for dealing with this issue?

Bugs can be a common problem in rental units, and the interviewer may want to know how you would handle this situation. Describe your process for dealing with infestations and other pest control issues.

Example: “I would first inspect all of the units to see if there are any other bugs or pests. I would then call an exterminator to treat the affected unit. In the meantime, I would move the tenants into another unit until the treatment is complete. After the treatment, I would thoroughly clean the unit before moving the tenant back in.”