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The Best Time to Ask for a Review (and Exactly What to Say)

The Best Time to Ask for a Review (and Exactly What to Say)

You’ve probably noticed that some property management companies seem to rack up glowing Google reviews without even trying, while others struggle to get a single one. It’s not about luck or who’s “nicer” online. It comes down to timing.

The best reviews are asked for at the right moment, like when your client is genuinely happy and still thinking about the experience. Ask too early, and it feels forced. Wait too long, and the moment’s gone.

Reviews shape how future owners and tenants see you. In 2025, 3 out of 4 consumers said they trust a business more after reading recent positive reviews. That’s real influence and it starts by knowing when is the best time to ask for a review.

Key Takeaways

  • The best moment to ask for a review is right after something goes right, like a quick repair, smooth move-in, or good report. People share feedback when the memory’s still warm.

  • About 75% of people in 2025 said they’re more likely to trust a business with fresh positive reviews. Staying current matters more than having hundreds of old ones.

  • Around 69% of consumers will leave a review if you ask them. Keep it simple, make it easy, and do it every time something goes well.

When Is the Best Time to Ask for a Review and How to Ask for It Without Sounding Awkward

People don’t usually leave reviews just because they’re happy. They do it because the experience made an impression. Maybe a maintenance issue got fixed the same day, or a move-in went smoother than expected. Those little wins spark emotion, and emotion drives action. That’s exactly when you should ask for Google review feedback, while the good feeling’s still there.

Here are a few key moments to look out for and some message templates you can tweak for your own business:

1. After a Smooth Move-In or Lease Renewal

They’re happy things went smoothly and still remember how you handled everything. That good feeling fades fast, so catch it while it’s fresh.

Message Template

“Hi [Name], we’re glad everything went smoothly with your move-in! If you’re happy with how things went, would you mind sharing your experience in a quick Google review? Here’s the link [Direct Link]. It really helps us out.”

2. After Quickly Fixing a Maintenance Issue

When you handle a repair fast, people notice. A quick response builds trust and shows you care. That’s the perfect time to ask for a Google review since they’re relieved, grateful, and likely to share it.

Message Template

“Hey [Name], thanks for your patience while we got that repair handled. We’re glad it’s all fixed now! When you have a moment, could you leave a short Google review about your experience? It means a lot to our team.”

3. After a Property Owner’s First Full Month

Once a new owner’s seen rent collected, reports sent, and fewer headaches, they’ve seen your value firsthand. That first month is proof your system works. It’s the right moment to reach out and ask for feedback. It’d aso help if you’ll respond to each feedback with class, whether it’s good or bad.

Message Template

“Hi [Name], it’s been a month since we started managing your property. Hope you’ve had a good first impression so far. If you’re happy with how things are running, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? Here’s the link!”

4. After a Smooth Property Turnover

A fast, clean turnover says a lot about your team. You handled move-out, repairs, and new tenants without a hitch and these are things owners notice. Ask for Google review while that efficiency is still top of mind.

Message Template

“Hi [Name], we’re glad we could get your property turned around and re-rented quickly. If you’re pleased with how everything went, would you mind sharing that in a Google review? It helps other owners see what we do.”

5. After Helping an Owner Through a Tough Spot

Whether it’s a late payment, a tenant dispute, or a compliance issue, how you handle tough moments matters. Once the situation’s under control, check in and ask for a review. They’ll remember that you kept things steady when it counted and and moments like that are what make investing in reputation management truly worth it.

Message Template

“Hey [Name], we appreciate how patient you’ve been while we worked through that issue. Glad we got it all sorted. If you feel we handled it well, would you leave a quick Google review? It helps others know they can count on us too.”

6. After Hitting a Big Win

You just hit 100% occupancy or helped boost an owner’s returns and that’s worth celebrating! Wins like that are perfect review moments. It’s a shared success, so lean into it and ask for a Google review while the energy’s high.

Message Template

“Hi [Name], Great news! Your property just hit [100% occupancy / new record income]! We’re celebrating this one with you. If you’re happy with the results, would you drop a quick Google review? It really helps us grow.”

7. After an Inspection or Walkthrough

Inspections can be stressful, but if you handle them calmly and clearly, that sticks with clients. Once the report’s done or the walkthrough’s over, ask for a quick review. They’ll remember how easy you made it.

Message Template

“Hey [Name], thanks for meeting with us for the [inspection/walkthrough]. We appreciate how smoothly it went. If you were happy with how we handled it, could you leave a quick Google review? Here’s the link [Direct Link]. We’d really appreciate it.”

8. After Solid Customer Support

Even small moments count, like answering a question fast or helping someone with their portal login. When a client thanks you, that’s your cue. Thank them back and ask for a Google review while they’re still feeling that appreciation.

Message Template

“Hi [Name], happy we could help you with [specific issue]. If you found the support helpful, would you mind leaving a quick Google review? It helps us keep improving and means a lot to our team.”

Asking for a review can feel a little uncomfortable. But when it’s done naturally, it never comes off as pushy. The key is to keep it short, personal, and easy.

Pro Tip: You can even automate this step. Our tools at PMW make it easy to send review requests automatically, right when the timing is perfect.

The Best Channels to Use When Asking

How you reach out matters. Some channels just work better than others.

  • Email. Still the go-to option. Keep it short and direct.

  • Text. Fast and effective with texts having open rates of 98%, according to Forbes.

  • In-person. Great for long-term clients or small portfolios.

  • Automation. Tools like our Reputation Management solution handle this for you, sending requests automatically after positive interactions.

Pro Tip: Automation tools can help you ask for Google review feedback at exactly the right time, without you having to think about it.

Who Should You Ask for Reviews?

You’ve got more people to ask than you might think.

  • Tenants who had an easy move-in or fast response to a request.

  • Owners who saw fewer vacancies or higher returns.

  • Vendors or partners who enjoy working with your team.

Happy clients are usually willing to help. They just need a small nudge. Don’t hesitate to ask for Google review testimonials from satisfied owners who appreciate your transparency and communication.

Did you know? Research shows that approximately 69% of consumers will leave a review when asked by a business.

FAQs about When to Ask for Google Review

Can I offer incentives to encourage tenants or owners to leave a Google review?

Don’t risk it. Google doesn’t allow offering discounts, gifts, or rewards for reviews. It can get your listing flagged. Just make it simple for people to leave feedback and ask while the good vibes are still fresh.

Should I respond to negative reviews, and how soon should I do it?

Yeah, you should. A fast, calm reply shows you care and actually pay attention. BrightLocal found that around 97% of people reading reviews also look at the business’s responses. Try to reply within a day or two so it feels genuine, not scripted.

Do you need a formal policy for asking for reviews in property management?

Yes, it’s a smart move. Having a set process helps you stay consistent. It keeps your team from forgetting to ask and makes sure you’re getting a steady flow of reviews instead of random bursts. It’s just part of running things smoothly.

Turn Good Moments Into Great Reviews with PMW’s Reputation Management!

Getting reviews should be part of your routine. Every time you deliver solid service, that’s your cue to ask. When you reach out while the experience is still fresh, you’re more likely to get honest, positive feedback. Good timing turns good moments into great reviews.

At PMW, we help property managers, landlords, and owners make that happen automatically. Our tools make it easier to ask for Google reviews at the right time, collect feedback, and stay on top of your online reputation. With our system, you don’t have to guess when to reach out. It does the timing for you.

Here’s what we can help you do:

  • Automate your review requests right after key moments

  • Track new feedback and respond fast

  • Build trust and boost your online presence

Good reviews are a strategy. If you’re ready to start collecting the kind of feedback that builds your business, talk to our reputation management experts and let’s make it happen!

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