Houston, TX · Member since 2015 · 13 posts · 1 vote
My husband and I bought a duplex in another state and city where we have family. When we bought the duplex we did hire a local management company...because we were newbies on investment properties. We are however displeased with the lack of communication from this company...they do not respond with emails or phone calls...when we have inquired about invoices for services...and a very high pest control bill showed up...which they took out of our rental income...without even notifying us of this expense. We are wanting to seek out other ways to manage our property...including our family there. Any advice would be most welcomed. Victoria
Hanford, CA · Member since 2013 · 5k+ posts · 1k+ votes
11y
Welcome!
We self-manage from a distance and have done very well. It has had its moments but over all the benefits have GREATLY out weighed the negatives. We have a 14 page lease and follow it VERY closely!
Salt Lake City, UT · Member since 2015 · 27 posts · 4 votes
11y
I'm assuming you signed a one or two year contract with the property manager as that's pretty typical. So you might have a little difficulty getting out of it, unless they have broken contract themselves somehow. The contract will probably state in it when they are required to notify you of an expense, such as a certain dollar amount. It'd be good to break that contract out and read through it really well.
If the PM continues to neglect you, let them know that you intend to give them a black eye! (i.e. they will get a VERY bad review on YELP, will be reported to the BBB, or something like that.) Best of luck to you!
I'm with @Elizabeth Colegrove on self-managing. If you think you've got the backbone and time to self-manage, do it. You might not know everything right now (I sure don't!), but that's what BP is for!
Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator · Springfield, MO · Member since 2009 · 21k+ posts · 12k+ votes
11y
Send a demand letter for performance to communicate in a timely manner by registered mail, return receipt requested.
You need to manage a manager, at times that can be more brain damage than managing a tenant if you have a bad one.
Their contract is probably to their advantage, read the terms carefully, but their are still basic agency laws they are required to follow, one is keeping the principal fully informed.
Threats to break a contract may fall on deaf ears, an attorney's letter threatening suit for damages in letting a new management contract for the remainder of the term should get their attention.
Call the TREC and report their lack of attention in detail, times of calls, emails, letters, you can file a complaint with TREC and they may investigate the matter, they will contact the managing broker and I'd say your calls will be returned. Good luck :)