RPM Living is a growing company in the multifamily real estate market. It has made a name for itself by taking a complete approach to managing, developing, and investing in properties. RPM Living manages a wide range of properties across the United States. They are known for their creative approaches and focus on putting residents first. Their homes are designed to fit modern living and community involvement.
Knowing how RPM Living’s interview questions work is important for people who want to work for this fast-paced company. These questions are not only a way to get a job, but they also show how committed the company is to excellence and how they are looking for people who share their values and vision for the future.
If you want to work at RPM Living, you’ve come to the right place! In this detailed guide, I’ll show you the top 10 interview questions you’ll probably be asked and give you advice on how to answer them in a way that gets you the job.
RPM Living is one of the US property management firms that is growing the fastest. They have more than 200 communities in 30 states, making them a major force in shaping the future of rental living. RPM Living’s fast growth and proven success show how resident-centered they are and how creative their business strategies are.
To join the RPM Living team you need to demonstrate a deep understanding of their core values. Preparing stellar answers to common interview questions is crucial – that’s what will set you apart from other applicants and land you the job!
Below I’ve outlined the 10 most frequently asked RPM Living interview questions based on my research. For each one, I’ll explain
- Why RPM Living asks this question
- What they’re looking for in your response
- Sample answers to adapt for your own interview
Let’s dive in and get you interview-ready!
1. How would you go about building and maintaining a positive community culture within our residential or commercial properties?
Why they ask: RPM Living emphasizes community and resident engagement at their properties. With this question, they want to assess your approach and experience with fostering a vibrant, inclusive community culture aligned with RPM Living’s values.
What they’re looking for: Knowledge of community building strategies and events. Understanding of RPM Living’s commitment to resident service and satisfaction. Skills in cultivating an environment and culture that promotes resident engagement.
Sample answer:
“Building a positive community culture starts with getting to know the residents and understanding their needs through surveys and community meetings. With this insight, I would craft tailored programs, events, and amenities that align with their interests – for example, game nights for our many young professionals, or potlucks that bring neighbors together.
Communication is key throughout the process. I would provide regular community updates, host “town hall” sessions to get direct feedback, and make sure every resident feels heard. Collaborating with teammates and local businesses, I would curate events that reinforce RPM Living’s brand and values.
My goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where residents feel a sense of belonging. By continuously engaging the community and adapting to their evolving interests, we can cultivate a vibrant, positive culture where both residents and RPM Living thrive.”
2. Describe your approach to managing and overseeing the maintenance, repair, and security issues that can arise on a property.
Why they ask: Property maintenance and security are top priorities for RPM Living. They want to see that you can effectively manage various property issues to deliver a high-quality living experience.
What they’re looking for: Systematic process for addressing maintenance and repairs. Knowledge of security best practices and technologies. Strong vendor relationships and communication skills. Ability to balance priorities and ensure minimal disruption for residents.
Sample answer:
“My approach centers around preventative maintenance through regular system inspections and upgrades. By being proactive, we can avoid more costly reactive fixes later on. When issues inevitably arise, I have an efficient system for categorizing and dispatching repairs based on urgency.
For security, I stay on top of the latest in technologies – like smart home systems and high-resolution cameras – and continually evaluate ways to enhance protections while also respecting resident privacy.
No matter the issue, communication is key. I would notify residents of any maintenance or repairs needed, provide schedule updates, and be transparent about security enhancements. Vendor relationships are critical too – I would nurture partnerships to guarantee prompt, high-quality service at competitive pricing. My focus is on minimizing disruption and delivering peace of mind to residents by tackling maintenance and security issues head-on.”
3. Can you provide an example of how you’ve successfully marketed rental space to increase occupancy rates?
Why they ask: Marketing and leasing prowess are essential for maximizing occupancy and rental income. RPM Living wants evidence that you can execute creative, results-driven marketing campaigns.
What they’re looking for: Successful track record developing and implementing marketing strategies/campaigns. Strong analytical skills – ability to identify opportunities, define strategy, track effectiveness. Knowledge of marketing techniques and platforms tailored to rental industry.
Sample answer:
“One of my most successful rental marketing campaigns targeted pet owners in the area by showcasing our pet-friendly amenities. First I conducted market research to understand the target demographic and analyzed local listings to identify an unmet need for modern, pet-focused properties.
I created social media ads highlighting our pet spa, dog park, in-unit amenities like feeders and pet cams, and partnerships with local pet businesses. I also hosted popular themed events like “Yappy Hour” where residents could socialize with pets.
Within 2 months of launching the strategic campaign, we increased site traffic by 20% and occupancy by 15%. This campaign was low-cost but high-impact thanks to the focused strategy, analytics-driven optimization, and partnerships. The success here demonstrates my ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities through targeted marketing.”
4. Outline your process for screening and selecting prospective tenants while ensuring compliance with fair housing laws.
Why they ask: RPM Living emphasizes adherence to fair housing laws in the tenant selection process. They want to see that you can standardize tenant selection while protecting against discrimination.
What they’re looking for: Understanding of fair housing regulations and requirements. Standardized screening process that is equitable and objective. Strong data management and record keeping. Knowledge of risk mitigation strategies.
Sample answer:
“When screening tenants, I begin by marketing rentals widely, using inclusive language and images in advertising. During showings, I use the same process for every prospective tenant, providing equal access and information.
In reviewing applications, I establish a consistent rubric focused on objective criteria like credit, income, references, and rental history. By applying this standardized rubric to all applicants, we ensure equitable treatment free of bias.
Throughout the process I maintain meticulous records documenting interactions and selection rationale as evidence of compliance. I’m also continuously educating myself on regulatory changes to fine-tune our procedures as needed. Adhering to fair housing laws isn’t just a legal obligation – it’s essential for establishing a diverse, vibrant community and mitigating risk.”
5. Discuss a time when you had to handle a difficult tenant situation and how you resolved it.
Why they ask: Tenant issues are inevitable, so RPM Living wants to know how you handle conflicts. They’re assessing your problem-solving skills and ability to prioritize resident satisfaction.
What they’re looking for: Resident service focus. Conflict resolution approach – ability to listen, troubleshoot, compromise, and diffuse tensions. Knowledge of company policies and authority boundaries. Examples of specific scenarios and resolutions.
Sample answer:
“In one instance, a tenant was consistently late with rent payments, which violated our policies. However, in speaking with her, I learned she’d recently lost her job due to health issues. I worked with her to create a reasonable payment plan that eased the burden while still upholding our policies.
Showing empathy, finding compromises, and open communication were key. I kept documentation thorough in case we couldn’t find a middle ground, but was able to resolve the issue to everyone’s satisfaction by responding flexibly while still protecting the company’s interests. This situation taught me that exploring the human side, not just enforcing blanket policies, is key to maintaining positive tenant relations in challenging circumstances.”
6. Explain how you would implement cost-saving measures without compromising the quality of living for residents.
Why they ask: Controlling operating costs is crucial, but RPM Living prioritizes the resident experience. They want to see you can strike that balance.
What they’re looking for: Financial management skills. Knowledge of cost-saving best practices. Creativity and analytical thinking to enhance efficiency. Understanding the links between resident satisfaction, retention, and financial goals.
Sample answer:
“I take a data-driven approach by auditing current expenses and identifying savings opportunities that won’t compromise quality of living. For example, implementing automated smart home technology can reduce energy costs significantly while also providing convenience to residents.
Consolidating vendor contracts, strategically staggering maintenance projects, and streamlining purchasing all offer potential savings too. I present cost-saving initiatives to residents transparently, highlighting the benefits, so they understand the purpose and participate in optimizations like energy conservation.
Savings directly boost our profitability, while resident engagement and transparency around improvements build trust. Maintaining quality assurance throughout cost optimization is critical for achieving both financial and community goals long-term.”
7. Tell us how you stay organized and prioritize tasks during the lease renewal process.
Why they ask: The lease renewal process requires meticulous organization. RPM Living wants evidence you can effectively manage renewals to maximize retention.
What they’re looking for: Structured systems for tracking renewals and ensuring follow-through. Ability to juggle renewals with day-to-day priorities. Strong communication and negotiation skills. Analytical thinking to spot risks/opportunities.
Sample answer:
“I utilize dedicated lease management software with built-in automation
RPM Living Hiring Process
It looks like RPM Living uses a mix of phone interviews, in-person interviews, and video interviews to hire people. A phone call from a recruiter or hiring manager is often the first step. This is usually followed by a more formal interview. In some cases, candidates are asked to complete a work assignment or case study. People who have been interviewed say that the interviewers are professional and helpful, giving good information about the company and the role. However, there are several complaints about lack of communication and feedback after the interviews. Some candidates thought they were ghosted or lied to, while others thought their work was used without paying them or letting them know. The whole process takes a different amount of time for each candidate. Some get an offer within a week, while others wait weeks with no news.
Mic’d Up with RPM – Episode 1 | Authentic Leadership
FAQ
What are the best answers for interviews?
