Unsatisfied with Property manager

[James Bolden]

What's up BP?  I have a problem and I am looking for advise.  I have a property management company managing 1 SF unit that is about 5 hours away.  I have grown unsatisfied with their performance.  I feel like I have to constantly manage the PM; which leads to me being more hands on. I have no problem with this because I manage my local rental .  However, I am beginning to ask myself if I should cut my expenses and manage the long distance property myself?  I am currently disputing a charge with the PM over an expense that was previously paid, (this the second instance like this).  Their contractor did not complete a plumbing job; so they had to backtrack and get a permit pulled from the city.  The city informed us upfront that the permit was required and submitted the guidelines in writing.  I followed up with the City (something I should not have had to do) and PM several times.  I was ensured by the PM that all was taken care of.  Needless-to-say, several months were lost and I paid for the mishap.  Is this normal? Am I overreacting?

[Shaun Patterson]

Its the sad Truth that there is a void in good PM for units under 100 doors. The Pm should be on top of all of the issues you just spoke about. If you look at the contract it should show that he is an agent for you and he should be acting as such. checking the contractors and making sure that permits are pulled is something that the PM should have done. I would look over the contract again and find out what out clauses you have just incase this guy doesn't get in shape. You can usually go on the forums here and ask for referrals of decent PM companies in your area.