Looking For Property Management in Burbank CA? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know Before Hiring

Nov 19, 2025

# Looking For Property Management in Burbank CA? Here Are 10 Things You Should Know Before Hiring


Finding the right property management company in Burbank can make or break your real estate investment. With so many options available, knowing what to look for before signing that contract is crucial. Here are ten essential things every Burbank landlord should know when hiring a property management company.

## **1. VERIFY THEIR LICENSE AND PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS**

Your property manager must hold a valid California real estate license. This isn't just a formality: it's the law. Licensed property managers are bound by state regulations and professional standards that protect both you and your tenants.

Ask to see their license number and verify it through the California Department of Real Estate website. Additionally, look for memberships in professional organizations like the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) or the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). These credentials indicate ongoing education and commitment to industry best practices.


## **2. UNDERSTAND THEIR FEE STRUCTURE COMPLETELY**

Property management fees vary significantly across Burbank, typically ranging from 8% to 12% of monthly rental income. However, the base management fee is just the beginning. Smart landlords ask about ALL potential costs upfront.

Common additional fees include:
- Tenant placement fees (usually 50-100% of one month's rent)
- Lease renewal fees ($150-$300 per renewal)
- Maintenance markup (10-20% on repairs)
- Eviction processing fees ($500-$1,500)
- Property inspection fees ($50-$150 per visit)
- Advertisement and marketing costs

Get everything in writing. Reputable companies provide detailed fee schedules without hidden surprises.

## **3. EVALUATE THEIR LOCAL MARKET EXPERTISE**

Burbank's rental market has unique characteristics that require local knowledge. Your property manager should understand neighborhood rental rates, tenant demographics, and seasonal demand patterns specific to areas like Magnolia Park, Rancho Equestrian District, or Downtown Burbank.

Ask how they determine rental pricing for your specific property type and location. They should provide recent comparable rent analysis and explain their marketing strategy for your neighborhood. Local expertise translates directly into faster tenant placement and optimal rental income.

## **4. ASSESS THEIR TENANT SCREENING PROCESS**

Quality tenants are the foundation of successful property management. Your management company should have a comprehensive screening process that includes:

- Credit score verification (minimum requirements clearly defined)
- Employment verification and income documentation
- Rental history and landlord references
- Background checks for criminal history
- Eviction history searches

Ask about their approval criteria and rejection rates. Companies with thorough screening processes may take slightly longer to place tenants but typically result in longer tenancies and fewer problems.


## **5. REVIEW THEIR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR CAPABILITIES**

Property maintenance can make or break your investment returns. Find out if the management company handles maintenance in-house or uses subcontractors exclusively. Companies with in-house maintenance teams often provide faster, more cost-effective service.

Key maintenance questions to ask:
- What constitutes an emergency repair requiring immediate attention?
- How quickly do they respond to tenant maintenance requests?
- Do they require approval before authorizing repairs over a certain amount?
- Can you see examples of their work and get references from other properties?

The best property managers maintain your property proactively, not just reactively.

## **6. EXAMINE THEIR TECHNOLOGY AND REPORTING SYSTEMS**

Modern property management relies heavily on technology. Your management company should provide online portals where you can access real-time information about your property, including:

- Monthly financial statements
- Maintenance requests and completion status
- Tenant payment history
- Property photos and inspection reports
- Tax-related documents

Ask for a demonstration of their owner portal during your initial meeting. Transparent, accessible reporting indicates a professional operation that values communication with property owners.

## **7. UNDERSTAND THEIR EVICTION AND LEGAL PROCEDURES**

Nobody wants to deal with evictions, but they're sometimes necessary. Your property manager should have established relationships with attorneys who specialize in landlord-tenant law and understand California's complex eviction procedures.

Ask about their eviction process timeline and costs. In California, evictions can take 3-6 months and cost $3,000-$8,000 or more. Your management company should clearly explain when they recommend eviction proceedings and how they handle the process from start to finish.


## **8. INVESTIGATE THEIR COMPANY STABILITY AND GROWTH**

Burbank's property management landscape includes both established firms and newer companies. While longevity isn't everything, stability matters when you're entrusting someone with your valuable asset.

Research the company's history:
- How long have they been in business?
- Are they growing, stable, or declining in property count?
- Have there been significant staff changes recently?
- Do they have positive online reviews and Better Business Bureau ratings?

Companies experiencing rapid growth may struggle with service quality, while declining companies might lack resources to properly manage your property.

## **9. CLARIFY COMMUNICATION EXPECTATIONS**

Clear communication prevents most property management problems. Establish expectations about:

- How often you'll receive updates about your property
- Your preferred communication methods (email, phone, text)
- What situations require immediate owner notification
- Who your primary contact will be within the company

Some property managers assign specific account managers to owners, while others use team approaches. Neither is inherently better, but you should know what to expect and have contact information for key personnel.

## **10. READ THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT CAREFULLY**

Property management agreements are legal contracts that govern your relationship with the management company. Pay special attention to:

- Contract length and renewal terms
- Cancellation procedures and required notice periods
- What happens if the management company is sold
- Owner responsibilities versus management responsibilities
- Liability and insurance requirements

Never sign a management agreement under pressure. Take time to review it thoroughly, and consider having an attorney review agreements for expensive properties or complex situations.

## **MAKING YOUR FINAL DECISION**

Choosing the right property management company for your Burbank investment requires careful evaluation of multiple factors. The cheapest option rarely provides the best value, and the most expensive doesn't guarantee superior service.

Focus on finding a licensed, experienced company with transparent fees, strong local market knowledge, and communication practices that match your preferences. Ask for references from current clients and trust your instincts about whether the company's approach aligns with your investment goals.

If you're ready to explore professional [property management services](https://www.perchproperties.com/manage-properties) in Burbank, start by interviewing multiple companies using these ten criteria. The right property manager will eagerly answer all your questions and provide detailed information about their services and processes.

Remember, property management is a partnership. Choose a company that treats your investment with the same care and attention you would provide yourself. With the right management partner, your Burbank rental property can provide steady income and long-term appreciation while you focus on other priorities.

[Contact us today](https://perchproperties.com/contact-us) to discuss how we can help maximize your Burbank property investment returns while minimizing your management headaches.