Owning a rental property can be a smart investment, but it also comes with serious responsibilities. From tenant selection and rent collection to maintenance and compliance, there’s a lot to stay on top of. That’s where a great property manager comes in.

The right property manager won’t just save you time, they’ll protect your investment, keep you compliant with New Zealand’s ever-changing legislation, and give you confidence that your property is in expert hands. Here’s what to look for when choosing yours.

1. Look for local expertise

Every area has its own rental trends, market values and tenant expectations. A local property manager understands your suburb and can offer tailored advice to help maximise your return.

They know how to price your property competitively, attract quality tenants, and ensure any maintenance or repairs are handled quickly by trusted local tradespeople.

Tip: Ask how many properties they manage in your area and how long it typically takes them to find a new tenant.

2. Make sure they understand the law and keep you compliant

This is one of the biggest reasons landlords choose a professional property manager.

New Zealand’s rental laws have become increasingly complex, with ongoing updates to the Residential Tenancies Act, Healthy Homes Standards, and Privacy Act. Missing even a small detail can result in significant fines or disputes.

An experienced property manager will ensure your property is fully compliant, from insulation and heating requirements to smoke alarms, record-keeping, and bond lodgement. They’ll stay up-to-date with legislation, manage all the paperwork, and take the stress (and risk) off your shoulders.

Tip: Ask what compliance systems and checks they have in place. With a large network like EVES, landlords benefit from dedicated compliance specialists, ongoing staff training, and robust processes to keep every property legally protected.

3. Understand what’s included in their service

Not all management packages are equal. Some may look affordable at first glance but don’t include key services like rent arrears management, detailed inspections, or tenancy tribunal representation.

Choose a property manager who provides a full-service approach, from marketing and tenant screening to ongoing maintenance, rent reviews and end-of-tenancy reporting.

Tip: Request a full service list upfront and ask how they handle issues such as rent arrears or damage claims.

4. Ask about technology and systems

A well-run property management company will use smart systems to make life easier for both landlords and tenants. Online portals, rent tracking, maintenance coordination platforms and digital inspection reports create transparency and reduce the chance of anything being missed.

Tip: Ask what platforms they use and how you’ll receive updates,  good communication and visibility are key.

5. Pay attention to communication

A property manager is your partner. You want someone who’s proactive, professional, and easy to reach.

Notice how responsive they are when you first get in touch, that’s usually a good indicator of what ongoing service will be like. A great property manager will keep you informed, offer expert recommendations, and act quickly to resolve issues before they escalate.

Tip: Ask how often you’ll receive inspection reports and financial statements.

6. Check reviews and reputation

Look for an established brand with a proven track record. Reviews, testimonials, and referrals can tell you a lot about how a property management company treats its landlords and tenants.

With a larger, trusted company like EVES, you also get the reassurance of professional systems, support staff, and consistent service standards across every branch.

7. Remember, peace of mind is priceless

When you work with a reputable property manager, you’re not just paying for rent collection and maintenance calls - you’re investing in peace of mind.

A strong management team takes care of every legal, financial and operational detail, so you can enjoy the rewards of property investment without the worry.

Ready to take the next step?

EVES Property Management provides trusted, compliant, and professional rental management across the Bay of Plenty. Our team stays ahead of New Zealand’s legal requirements, offers clear communication, and treats every property as if it were our own.

Talk to your local EVES Property Manager today.