As a commercial landlord in the UK, having a great property manager is crucial, particularly if you’ve got a range of properties on your portfolio. Leaving them all with capable, efficient teams is the ideal scenario. However, it doesn’t always work out that way.

Many landlords face difficulties with their property management companies, citing a lack of communication and laziness as their top bug-bears. To save you from stumbling upon a commercial property management provider that may not have your best intentions at heart, check out this list on how to find the best property manager!

1. Get Referrals from Different Sources

Before you choose to dine at a restaurant where you have not been to before, you check the reviews online to see what other people have to say about their experiences there. It’s a simple and effective way to ensure a good quality meal. The same process should apply to find a good commercial property management company.

2. It is a big decision, so give it the gravitas it deserves!

One of the simplest – but most effective – is to ask for recommendations in your network. If might have been active in an industry for some time, you may have contacts who will be able to advise you. Recommendations through word-of-mouth are always preferable over an online search.

However, if you are new to the real estate industry, then you’ll need to rely on any referrals you can find; whether this is online reviews, in-person recommendations, or web forums. It is important to note that biased referrals are not impossible to avoid. Therefore, it is a good idea to get your referrals from several sources, both online and offline.

A company which demonstrates both qualities on the internet and word-of-mouth recommendations is often a property management company you want to choose.

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3. Conduct Your Own Research Online

Of course, working out where online to conduct your research can be a daunting prospect at first. Luckily, there are plenty of resources on the web to help.

Websites such as AllPropertyManagement.com allow you to put in specific information such as your location and the size of the property, then it will then generate a list of property management companies in the area. It can be a great starting point if you really are starting from scratch.

Once you have found a few names, do a quick business search on places like Yelp or even LinkedIn. Brutally honest reviews fill both sites; it is up to you to make up your mind on whether or not these reviews are legitimate.

4. Visit Their Current Portfolio

At this stage, if you’re confident you’ve got a few good property management companies to choose from, you can shortlist them. Take a look at some of their marketing advertisements. Are they professional, compelling and clear? And where are you finding these adverts?

Advertising only on Gumtree.com and community bulletin boards suggests no funding for marketing. However, if you find advertisements on several sources – paid and unpaid – then it is more apparent that they are willing to invest in sourcing legitimate landlords, which points to them as a legitimate property manager themselves.

If you like the look of them online, advertisements and all, the next step is real life reconnaissance. This can and should include visiting actual properties that they currently manage.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to go gallivanting up and down the country to scope out every property on their roster, but you can certainly take a look at some in your local area that is of interest, especially if they match closely with your property. Ask yourself whether they look well-kept and cared for. It is often a clear indication of how the property manager will care for your property if you hire them.

5. Interview Your Commercial Property Management Company

Entrusting a company with your commercial property is an enormous responsibility, so you want to ensure it is in safe hands. For that reason, you have every right to ask them detailed and specific questions in regards to this as you want to ensure the company is right for you.

Also, don’t be afraid to interview several companies before making any commitments. This allows you to gather a wide range of information about what they can offer; which can help you to narrow down the right company for you.

Treating this process like an interview can help you to determine the salespeople from the real deal. As if they promise you the world at this interview stage, it is perhaps unlikely they will be able to deliver it. So, look for the one you “feel” you can count on. Trust your instinct at this point.

Furthermore, you need to check that they have a firm understanding of landlord-tenant law. If they aren’t jumping at the opportunity to impress you and clarify their capabilities, it will likely be worse if you allow them to manage your property.

During the interview stage, you should also check their license and certification. Most regions will require a property management company to have a real estate broker’s license in order to show vacant real estate. You’ll be able to double check this with the local council.

Furthermore, other organisations your property management company may be a part of are:
– The Institute of Real Estate Management
– Community Associations Institute
– National Association of Residential Property Managers
– National Apartment Association

In order to become a member of such associations, you’ll need to pass strict entry requirements and complete a tough training program. If a property management company is willing to put themselves through such a lengthy and time-consuming process, it will be a good indication that they are a high-quality company.

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6. Analyse Their Contract with a Specialist

Each company will provide their own contract. This agreement should clearly define the responsibilities of the property management company and that of the property owner. Contact a specialist to run through the documents with their knowledgeable eye to ensure this protects you, first and foremost.

It is also imperative to pay close attention to the sections that detail the services provided, the extra fees, their compliance with fair housing laws, and their reasons for cancellation clause. You should also ask the company for an example of the monthly report that you’ll be receiving.

If this is to your satisfaction, then congratulations! You have found a commercial property management company that you can work with.

7. Switching Property Management Companies

There may come a time where you’re looking to switch UK commercial property management companies. This is do-able as long as you’re abiding by the terms of your contract. There are many reasons as to why you may wish to cut ties with your current property management company. Whether their lack of care and attention that has led to damage to your commercial property or you simply selling up and investing in another part of the world. Just apply the tips above and you should be able to find a good commercial property management company.

We hope you find this article helpful, if you do, please share it with other landlords so they can benefit from it as well. Thanks!