Identifying a property manager can come in handy whether you’re a prospective tenant, an Australian landlord, or a concerned neighbour with a maintenance request.
This poses the question: How do I find out who manages a rental property?
You can uncover who manages the unit by searching online databases, asking realtors, or getting in touch with the current tenants.
To help you out, we’ll explore five different approaches in this article. If you’re a property investor looking to check tenant references, we’ll also share a couple of nifty tips!
5 Ways to Identify the Property Manager
Let’s get started with the top five ways of finding out who manages a property.
1. Google the Rental Address
One of the easiest ways to identify the manager is to simply Google the address of the rental unit.
Property management companies will often create online listings and advertise vacancies on their own websites as well as popular real estate portals.
For instance, if you look up one of the addresses in our property portfolio, you’ll likely find a link to our property management service on the search results page. This would easily direct you to our contact info.
The same principle can apply to other property management agencies.
Even if the unit is currently occupied, you might find an old rental listing with still-accurate details.
2. Use Market Databases Checks
Specialised rental market databases (like the Speaking Same “Rent Price” site) compile listing data from various sources across the internet.
By entering the residential property address into the database, users can pull up historical records of past rentals. Each listing provides details like the property type and the real estate agent who managed the vacant property.
The catch? Some tools have a limited record library. However, this method is still worth a shot since it can save you a ton of time and effort in filtering out results from traditional search engines.
3. Get Insights From Your Local Rental Property Network
Consider politely asking any realtor you know for help.
With a wide range of contacts and resources, realtors might be able to quickly dig up the name of the residential property management company or agent in charge of the unit.
If they can’t find the manager, they might be able to find an alternative property for rent nearby.
4. Ask the Current Tenants
If possible, try contacting whoever is currently living in the rental property you’re interested in.
Just introduce yourself cordially and explain your rental search. Most tenants will know (and gladly share) the manager’s name and contact info. The name could be listed on the tenancy agreement, after all.
As a bonus point, you might get helpful first-hand opinions about the manager based on the tenant’s leasing experiences. For one, you could find out about the existing property maintenance issues, regular inspections, extra charges, and whatnot.
It’s worth noting that this tactic could pay off well if the owner relies on a house-hacking model (living in one part of the property while gaining rental income from the other units).
The tenant will simply direct you to the landlord’s unit so you can meet them yourself.
5. Look for the Landlord Instead
Some landlords directly oversee their investment properties without a dedicated team of property agents.
If that’s the case, try to identify and contact the legal owner from the get-go. If it turns out that they don’t handle the day-to-day management themselves, they can refer you to the agent who handles rentals on their behalf.
But how do you find the rental property owner in the first place?
In Queensland, it’s possible to purchase title searches online. You might also be able to request ownership reports from your local council website.
Reference Checks and Verifying Tenants Rental History
Unfortunately, some applicants may list a friend as a false “property manager” to hide negative details that could disqualify them from new rentals.
So, things can be tricky if you’re managing an investment property without a real estate agency helping you with the background checks.
To boost your odds of leasing to suitable candidates who pay their rent on time, you want to be vigilant about screening potential tenants and double-check any references they provide.
Here are three tips for screening tenants:
1. Look up the Property Manager
Before calling the reference number, confirm that the managing company or agent listed is legitimate.
Search online for their name, address, and phone number to determine if it’s an actual registered business.
Professional property managers and firms usually have an online presence and contact info that can be easily validated through an internet search.
You can also use Queensland’s free “Check a Licence” tool to see if the person is registered as a professional property agent.
2. Call the Reference Number
Once you’ve verified the company or manager’s identity, call the provided phone number.
Explain you are conducting a rental history check for an applicant who listed them as a reference. Ask specific questions about the prospective tenant’s prior lease term, such as late payments and property damages.
The key here is to listen closely and pay proper attention to their responses for any cues they may not have actually managed that tenant. Follow-up questions may reveal if the reference is truthful or not.
3. Get Access to Tenancy Databases
Even if the reference turns out to be legitimate, you still need a rigorous screening process. So, don’t forget to do a tenancy database check!
Sources like the TICA and National Tenancy Database compile rental histories and defaults flagged by previous landlords and agents in accordance with tenancy laws.
Final Thoughts
Now you’re equipped with five simple tactics to identify the real property manager, from scouring online databases to leveraging insider resources.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to dig up a name and the needed contact info in no time!
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of property experts.