Handing Over the Keys? Start Here First.

Part 1 of the Series: “10 Questions Smart Rental Owners Need To Always Ask”

Helping Billings landlords protect their investment—one question at a time.

Owning rental property in Billings MT can be a powerful wealth-building tool—but only if it's managed the right way. Whether you’re new to the game or have owned rentals for years, hiring the right property manager is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

That’s why we created this 4-part blog series, “10 Questions Smart Rental Owners Always Ask.” In each post, we break down key questions every landlord should ask before handing over the keys. Our goal? Help you make confident, informed decisions—and avoid costly surprises.

In Part 1, we start with the foundation: 

• Experience
• Fee
• Communication 

These three areas reveal more than you might expect. They determine whether you’re hiring a professional—or simply rolling the dice. 

When it comes to choosing a property manager, most owners assume the hard part is over—finding tenants, collecting rent, coordinating repairs. But the real work begins when you hand over the keys.

In Billings, MT, where rental demand is steady but expectations are rising, hiring the right property manager can be the difference between steady cash flow and costly surprises. Whether you own a single-family home, a duplex, or a portfolio of rental properties in Billings, the wrong choice could cost you time, money, and peace of mind.

So how do you know if you’re hiring a professional—or just rolling the dice?

Start with these three questions. They may seem simple, but the answers reveal everything about the way a property management company in Billings operates—and whether they’ll treat your rental like their own.

1. How Many Properties Do You Manage—And Are Any Like Mine?

This isn’t just a numbers game. When evaluating a Billings property management company, the goal is twofold: capacity and capability.

Why It Matters

A manager with too few properties may lack experience or systems. One with too many may be stretched too thin. You want a Goldilocks zone—a team that's big enough to have resources, but still small enough to care.

More importantly, ask if they manage rentals like yours. A company specializing in commercial units may not be a great fit for your single-family home in the Heights. Managing vintage triplexes downtown takes different skills than overseeing new builds on the West End.

What to Listen For

• “We manage 100+ properties, including a number of [property type] in [neighborhood].”
• “Our team is divided by portfolio type—we have specialists in both multi-family and single-family housing.”
• “We’ve worked with out-of-state investors who need reliable boots on the ground in the Billings rental market.”

These are signs you’re dealing with a team that understands your property, your goals, and your tenants.

Red Flags

• “We manage everything from cabins to storage units to apartments.” (Jack-of-all-trades, master of none.)
• “We don’t really keep track of how many we manage.” (That’s a system issue.)
• “You’re our first owner in that area.” (May mean a lack of local insight.)

Bonus Tip

Ask about vacancy and renewal rates. A seasoned property management company in Billings should be able to tell you how long their average listing stays on the market and how many tenants renew—especially in neighborhoods like Shiloh Crossing, Josephine Crossing, or Alkali Creek.

2. What Exactly Is Included in Your Management Fee?

In property management Billings, the price tag doesn't always reveal the full cost—or value. One company may charge 6% and nickel-and-dime you for every phone call, while another may charge 10% but include marketing, inspections, and lease renewals.

Why It Matters

Without transparency, you’ll never know what you’re paying for—or if your manager is truly earning their fee. The best rental property managers in Billings MT not only break down their pricing but help you understand how it protects your bottom line.

Look for a Fee Structure That Covers:

• Marketing : Professional photos, listings on top rental platforms, showings via systems like Tenant Turner.
• Leasing: Tenant screening, application processing, lease drafting.
• Ongoing Management: Rent collection, maintenance coordination (via Property Meld), tenant communication.
• Financials: Monthly owner statements, year-end tax documents, owner contribution visibility via platforms like AppFolio.

Ask Specifically:

• “Do you charge a leasing or renewal fee?”
• “Is there a markup on maintenance?”
• “Are there fees if a property sits vacant?”
• “Do you offer eviction protection?”

A reputable Billings property management company should walk you through each line item, showing how their fee translates to real services—not vague promises.

Common Fee Structures in Billings:

Red Flags

• “We keep fees low but charge per call/email.”
• “You’ll get billed separately for reports.”
• “We don’t use software; it’s all manual.” (Hello, errors and missed payments.)

3. Who Will I Talk To—And How Often?

Property management is not just about tasks—it’s about trust. And trust comes from communication.

Whether you live in Billings or out of state, you need to know:

• Who is your point of contact?
• How do you reach them (email, phone, portal)?
• How fast do they respond?

Why This Matters in Rental Property Management

The best property managers don’t just react—they proactively update you. They let you know when there’s an issue, offer solutions, and keep you in the loop without you needing to follow up.

If a tenant submits a repair at 10 PM and the manager doesn’t know until Monday morning, that's a liability. If a maintenance request drags on for three weeks, that’s a tenant retention issue. Communication protects your investment and your reputation.

What to Look For:

• “You’ll have a dedicated portfolio manager, and we also have a backup contact if they’re out.”
• “We respond to all messages within 24 hours, and emergencies are handled immediately through our 24/7 maintenance line.”
• “You’ll get a monthly summary plus access to real-time updates in the owner portal.”

Ask About:

• Communication channels: Do they use AppFolio, Asana, or another system for updates?
• Emergency protocols: How are weekend or after-hours issues handled?
• Owner check-ins: Are there scheduled calls or performance reports?

Red Flags

• “We’ll reach out when needed.” (That means never.)
• “Tenants usually let us know if something breaks.” (No proactive inspections.)
• “It depends who’s on duty.” (No ownership of your account.)

Why These 3 Questions Set the Foundation for Success

Let’s be honest—most rental property owners in Billings ask one question first:
“What’s your management fee?”

It’s understandable. On the surface, comparing percentages feels like comparing apples to apples. But when it comes to property management, that single question—without context—can steer you down the wrong path.

Because here’s the truth: property management isn’t about math. It’s about margin and mindset.

Choosing who manages your rental home isn’t just a transactional decision—it’s a strategic one. The right property manager helps you:

• Maximize rental income through competitive pricing, strong marketing, and tenant retention.
• Reduce costly mistakes through proactive maintenance and transparent reporting.
• Protect your investment with clear communication, legal compliance, and tenant screening.

And all of that? Starts with asking the right questions upfront.

Why Experience, Fees, and Communication Matter Most

These three questions—about experience, fee structure, and communication—may seem simple, but they reveal everything:

• If a company can’t clearly articulate their portfolio experience, how will they confidently manage yours?
• If their fee structure is vague or filled with hidden costs, how can you trust them to be financially transparent?
• If they don’t have clear, timely communication protocols, what happens when your tenant has an emergency—or your property sits vacant?

Whether you own a duplex near Pioneer Park, a single-family rental in Lockwood, or a multi-unit property in the West End, these core questions help you cut through the noise and see what kind of partner you’re really getting.

Because in a market like Billings, MT, where rental competition is rising but inventory remains tight, you don’t just need someone who can “manage.” You need someone who will protect, prioritize, and perform.

Your Next Step: Interview the Right Billings Property Manager

Asking these three questions isn't the end of your research—it's the beginning of a more informed partnership.

At Premier Property Management, we believe Billings property management should feel like a relief, not a risk. That’s why we:

• Manage properties with the same grit and heart we bring to our own investments
• Provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Use tools like AppFolio, Tenant Turner, and Property Meld for real-time visibility
• Keep our owner communication consistent, clear, and proactive

We specialize in rental properties in Billings MT—and we’re here to help you grow your portfolio with confidence.

Catch the Full Series

This post is just one piece of the puzzle. Check out the rest of the “10 Questions Smart Rental Owners Always Ask” series to protect your investment and maximize your rental income:

• Part 1: Handing Over the Keys? Start Here First (Experience, Fees, and Communication)
• Part 2: Don’t Let the Wrong Tenant Drain Your Profit.
• Part 3: A Rental Is Only As Strong As Its Systems.
• Part 4: Don’t Just Pick a Manager—Pick a Partner.

Want help answering these questions for your own property? Let’s talk.

📅 Schedule your free consultation today! (Click Here!)
 📞 Call our team: 406 540 8040
 📩 Email us anytime at hello@premierpropertymanager.com