My Property Manager Sucks: What to Do Next

Hey landlords! If you’ve been dealing with a property manager who’s falling short of expectations, you’re not alone. Many landlords find themselves frustrated with poor communication, high fees, or neglected maintenance issues. While property managers are supposed to make your life easier, a bad one can cause more stress than managing the property yourself. But don’t worry, there are solutions. If you're ready to take back control of your rental property, check out my Free Landlord Consultation to explore your options.

Signs Your Property Manager is Underperforming

1. Lack of Communication
   A good property manager should keep you informed about everything happening with your rental property. If you’re constantly chasing them for updates or waiting too long for responses, it’s a red flag.

2. Frequent Tenant Complaints
   If your tenants are constantly complaining about unaddressed issues or poor treatment from the property management team, it’s a sign that your manager isn’t doing their job well. Unhappy tenants can lead to higher vacancy rates, costing you time and money.

3. Unjustified Fees
   Property managers typically charge 8-12% of your monthly rent, but if you’re noticing additional or unexpected fees for every little service, your property manager may be taking advantage of you.

4. Poor Maintenance Handling
   Timely maintenance is crucial for keeping your property in good shape and your tenants happy. If your property manager isn’t addressing maintenance requests quickly or is overcharging you for repairs, it’s time to reconsider the relationship.

What Can You Do About It?

1. Set Clear Expectations
If you’re not quite ready to fire your property manager, have an honest conversation about your dissatisfaction. Set clear expectations for communication, fee transparency, and maintenance handling. Sometimes, property managers just need a little guidance on what you need from them.

2. Explore Self-Management
If your property manager continues to underperform, it might be time to consider self-managing your rental property. Self-management gives you complete control over tenant relations, maintenance, and rent collection, all while saving on property management fees. Tools like Rentler or Zillow Rental Manager make it easy to handle these tasks with minimal effort.

• Tip: If you’re new to self-management, check out my free landlord class to learn the basics of managing your own property effectively.

3. Hire a New Property Manager
If self-management isn’t for you, it might be time to look for a new property manager. Interview potential candidates and ask them about their communication policies, fee structures, and tenant satisfaction rates. Be sure to check reviews and get references from other landlords.

Benefits of Firing a Bad Property Manager

1. Save Money
By cutting ties with a property manager who’s not doing their job, you save on unnecessary fees and charges. If you choose to self-manage, that’s even more money in your pocket each month.

2. Improve Tenant Retention
If tenants are unhappy with your property manager’s lack of responsiveness, they may not renew their lease. Taking over or hiring a better manager can improve tenant satisfaction and reduce costly vacancies.

3. Protect Your Property Value
A neglectful property manager may overlook necessary repairs, leading to damage that can decrease your property’s value. By taking action, you can ensure that maintenance is done properly, preserving the value of your investment.

FAQ: Dealing with a Bad Property Manager

Q: How do I know if my property manager is overcharging me?
A: Review your contract to understand what fees are outlined. If you’re noticing charges for things that aren’t specified in the contract or inflated maintenance costs, it’s worth discussing with the manager or seeking a new one.

Q: Is it hard to switch property managers?
A: Not necessarily, but you’ll need to review your contract to see the terms of termination. Many contracts require a 30-day notice, so plan accordingly if you decide to part ways.

Q: Can I self-manage even if I have multiple properties?
A: Yes! With the right tools and systems in place, many landlords successfully self-manage multiple properties. Platforms like Buildium or Cozy help you automate much of the workload.

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If your property manager isn’t delivering the results you deserve, don’t hesitate to make a change. Whether you choose to self-manage or hire a new manager, you have options. Schedule your Free Landlord Consultation to discuss the next steps and regain control of your rental property.