Why this is on you, not us: letting managers self-report keeps the marketplace open and current, but it also means a "credentials on file" note is a starting point for your research — not a guarantee. A few checks up front can save you real trouble later.
STEP 1
Confirm business identity
Make sure you're dealing with a real, established business before you go further.
- Look up the business name with your Secretary of State's business registry to confirm it's active and registered.
- Check that the company name on their profile matches the name on any agreement they send you.
- Search the company name plus "complaints" or "reviews" outside of ENIKO as a second opinion.
STEP 2
Verify licensing, where required
Property management licensing requirements vary by state — some require a real estate broker's license, others don't require one at all.
- Check your state's real estate licensing board website directly — don't rely on a license number the manager gives you without confirming it.
- Confirm the license is current and in good standing, not expired or suspended.
- If your state doesn't require a license for property management, ask what other professional credentials or associations (e.g. NARPM) they hold instead.
STEP 3
Confirm insurance coverage
Ask for proof, not just a mention.
- Request a certificate of insurance directly from the manager's insurance provider, not just a document they send you.
- Confirm they carry general liability insurance and, ideally, errors & omissions (E&O) coverage.
- Ask whether you (or your entity) can be added as an additional insured on their policy.
STEP 4
Talk to their references
Reviews on ENIKO are a good signal, but a direct conversation catches things a written review won't.
- Ask for 2–3 current owner clients you can contact directly, ideally with similar property types to yours.
- Ask references specifically about communication speed, how maintenance issues were handled, and whether financials arrived on time.
- Read ENIKO reviews and look for the "Verified Owner Review" badge — it means the reviewer actually went through a real request-and-selection process on the platform.
Questions worth asking before you sign
- How many properties or units do you currently manage, and how many staff support that?
- What's your average response time for tenant maintenance requests?
- How do you handle late rent, evictions, and vendor disputes?
- Can I see a sample monthly financial report?
- What are the exact terms for ending the management agreement?
Red flags to watch for
- Pressure to sign quickly, or reluctance to provide references.
- A business name that doesn't match what's on their license, insurance, or bank account for rent deposits.
- Vague or evasive answers about fees, contract length, or termination terms.
Ready to start comparing managers?
Use what you've learned here alongside profiles, credentials, and reviews on ENIKO.
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