Need Advice regarding Property Management Company!!!

[Jenny Keffer]

We own one property, a single family home. We decided to rent it for 1-2 years prior to selling. Our real estate agent recommended a property management company. We decided to go with them. This is the series of events thus far....we needed an occupancy permit from the city. The property management company communicated with the city and we were not involved at all. We were told the property needed a carbon monoxide detector and to have two electrical outlets stabilized. The PMC asked if we would like them to take care of this. We said yes. That was a month ago... the renters were preparing to move in at that point, once the permit was issued. Last week, I received a notice stating that the Gas company cannot read the meter due to weeds. I drove past property and the grass has not been cut or the weeds trimmed. Yet someone is clearly living there....garbage in cans, toys, etc. To make a long story short, I contacted the PMC and asked if the renters were moved in. They said they weren't sure...what? Come to find out, they have moved in and have been living there the past two weeks. All of the utilities are still in my name. The inspector was never brought back, there is no occupancy permit and I haven't heard from the PMC since last Friday (they haven't returned my calls.) I am not sure what our next step should be...call the city about the permit? Call my lawyer? Any advice is appreciated!

[Randy Brawdy]

My suggestion is to find another Property Management Company, contact the tenants, get that squared away. Then call for the permit. Explain to the city that The Property Management left you hanging, beg forgiveness (this sometimes helps in my area) get the permit and differently get another management company.