Terminating property management contract

[Stephen Lynch]

Hello,

Unfortunately, I'm in a situation where I've had a rather poor experience with my property manager. They have made numerous mistakes over the years and I'm ready to move on (missing repairs, poor cleaning, slow responses etc.)

The contract expires on Jan. 31st 2021. It auto renews each year if I don't give 60 day notice. They found the winter tenant and are booking the summer weeks (vacation property). I'm totally fine with them managing it for the remainder of this term and to continue operations as such. However,I want the contract to end on 9/10 (after the summer) so I can either move in or self-manage it (yet to decide). 

They have an early termination fee of $500 and I must pay any commission for unexpired time.  I'm a little confused as to what this means? I want to pay them their commission up to 9/10 and the $500 termination fee. However, after 9/10 I don't wish to pay them anything else. Am I reading this right or do I cancel, pay $500 and still have to pay them until Jan. 31st 2021? If so, why would I even cancel? 

Termination Fee: If Owner terminates this Agreement, Broker shall receive his commission for the unexpired terms or renewals thereof, of any Lease made by Broker and/or Owner during the term of this Agreement and shall receive such commission for as long as any tenants procured by Broker occupies, rents or leases the Property. In addition, if the Agreement is terminated, subject to the terms and conditions set forth above, prior to the completion of one year, Owner shall pay Broker a Termination Fee of $500.00. This fee is in addition to any other fees owed under this Agreement.

The PM has said it's at the brokers discretion to cancel the contract. I've consulted an attorney and he said that doesn't make any sense and the reason why the termination fee exists. 

Any thoughts? 

Thanks,
Stephen