Separating from a property management company

[Kenneth Leung]

We have a SFH that we have been renting out through a PM company for several years. Recently, we have been having issues with the PM company involving our most recent tenant ending their lease and re-listing the property.

The PM company is no longer serving in our best interests and we wish to terminate our relationship. However, PM is now stating that they already have a section 8 tenant approved and that if we choose to terminate our relationship, we are still obligated to carry out the tenancy. I am not opposed to section 8, but it is new to me and I am unfamiliar with the process, rules, and regulations. 

1) PM claims the lease agreement has been signed. To my knowledge, PHA has not performed their initial inspection. Is it even possible that PM has a signed lease and taken a deposit at this stage? From my reading, inspection has to be passed before signing the HAP and then signing the lease agreement with the applicant. 

2) I understand that in California, it is illegal to discriminate against an applicant because of their income source including government vouchers. However, does this mean that you are necessarily required to participate in the HCV program? The resources on the HUD website seem to suggest it is voluntary. I would think it cannot be mandated because as an owner, you are required to undergo initial inspection, make necessary repairs, and undergo repeat inspections in the future, which would put undue pressure on the owner simply because an applicant has a voucher.

Thank you all. Very interested in learning more. 

[Bjorn Ahlblad]

Call the PHA office and ask them yourself. PM wents to keep the hook in. Most PM agreements are 30 day cancelletion. All the best!