Use Property Management or Give Notice to Vacate Myself

[Mike Weston]

Hello, we are closing on a duplex very soon and there is a tenant in one side that we would like to give notice to vacate to.  They are month to month so we can give a 30 day notice.  They also have done significant damage to the unit and we are eager to get in there to start the repairs.  There is currently a property management company managing but we have asked to terminate that at closing.  We have been considering if we should retain the PM and have them deal with getting the tenants out or if we should just give notice ourselves.  We recently purchased a LegalShield membership in case we need to get a lawyer involved or need any consultation.  This is our first property so we are noobs.  We are looking for advice with help deciding if we should get the experience of dealing with these types of things or if we should just let the property management company do it.  Thanks in advance for any insight on this.

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Mike Weston:

Hello, we are closing on a duplex very soon and there is a tenant in one side that we would like to give notice to vacate to.  They are month to month so we can give a 30 day notice.  They also have done significant damage to the unit and we are eager to get in there to start the repairs.  There is currently a property management company managing but we have asked to terminate that at closing.  We have been considering if we should retain the PM and have them deal with getting the tenants out or if we should just give notice ourselves.  We recently purchased a LegalShield membership in case we need to get a lawyer involved or need any consultation.  This is our first property so we are noobs.  We are looking for advice with help deciding if we should get the experience of dealing with these types of things or if we should just let the property management company do it.  Thanks in advance for any insight on this.

My #1 recommendation would be for the Seller and current owner to vacate the unit prior to closing. This saves you the cost/headache and gives you a fresh start. If you could get it empty a week prior to closing, that would give you the opportunity to inspect and start planning for renovations on Day 1.

If it's too late for that, then I recommend you cut the PM loose and handle it yourself.