What managers do
Common services include marketing, tenant screening, lease preparation, rent collection, maintenance coordination, inspections and accounting. Short-term managers also handle guest communication, cleaning and pricing.
List what you expect and compare it with each proposal.
How fees work
Fees may be a percentage of rent, flat amounts, leasing fees, renewal fees and charges for maintenance coordination. Short-term management usually takes a higher percentage because of the extra work.
Ask for a full fee schedule and the contract term, including how to cancel.
Licensing
In Florida, property management for others for a fee generally requires a real estate license through a licensed broker or brokerage. Verify the manager's license before you sign.
Ask who holds the trust account for rents and deposits.
Tenant screening
A good manager checks income, credit, rental history and references according to fair housing rules. Ask how they screen and what criteria they use.
Screening must apply the same standards to every applicant.
Maintenance and reporting
Ask about approval limits for repairs, vendor choices, emergency response and how often you receive statements and photos. Clear reporting is essential for remote owners.
Set a repair approval threshold in writing.
Association interaction
Managers handle tenant approvals, move-in rules and communication with the condominium association. Experience with your building speeds approvals.
Ask for building references.
Common mistakes
Choosing on the lowest fee, signing long contracts, not verifying licenses, ignoring hidden fees and skipping owner reports.
Another mistake is not checking how deposits are held.
Checklist
Interview two or three managers. Compare services and fees. Verify licenses. Read the contract. Ask for references from owners with similar properties.
If you live abroad
Remote owners should insist on online owner portals, monthly statements, photos for inspections and a clear escalation contact. Set time zones, language and communication rules at the start, and make sure you can reach someone in an emergency.
Practical tip
Before signing, ask the manager for two owner references, a sample statement and the lease they use. These three items reveal how organized the company really is.
Insurance and liability
Ask whether the manager carries professional liability insurance and requires tenants to hold renter's insurance. Clear responsibilities reduce disputes after an incident.
Next step
We can introduce you to licensed property managers we trust and help you compare their proposals. Lidiya Tretyak is a licensed Florida real estate agent with Douglas Elliman and speaks English, Russian and Ukrainian; the first consultation is free.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Laws and programs change — confirm details with a Florida attorney and a US tax professional.
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