Am I in the wrong? New Landlord that hired property management

[John George]

Hi everybody, I am from Texas. I started a 2 year Rental agreement last year. I verbally told the tenant if he keeps up with his payments I will reconsider his rent (rookie mistake) and offer a discount for the 2nd year. I did, I would take $50 off his rent if he was willing to get renter's insurance (another huge mistake I didn't put in the contract). By the way, he is supposed to give property management proof this month or else it will go back to the normal rate in the contract.

The tenant has almost never paid on time, he paid his dues, but past the grace period. I never charged his late fees. There was a leak on the garage ceiling last year. Small pieces of Wet plaster fell on top of his car and we got the builder to fix it. He made a fuss but it was eventually sorted out. I realized eventually what a big mistake I made dealing with the tenant myself. I sub contracted property management recently. He wouldn't talk to the property management lady and tried contacting me. My property manager told me not to reply. He send an email saying how I promised a discount and $50 off is a slap to the face...so on and so forth. I just wanted to give a summary of the hole I dug myself in, but thankfully due to property management I was able to get help. Also he continuously complained about things like the toilet roll holder broke, and left a hole on the wall. Isn't that the tenants fault? 

Keep in mind that I am not a full time Landlord, I am in the Army, Active Duty and in school. My schedule is extremely busy, but I always did my part to make sure any maintenance was punctual. 

I just wanted to get a second opinion on this situation. I don't have to talk to the Tenant anymore since property management counts as the landlord right? Any advice, criticism, or comments? Let me know. Just trying to learn and get better at this. 

[Jana Hristova]

My experience is that a tenant like that wouldn't change but it will be your PM's job to decide what to do. Usually, when a tenant can barely afford the rent they start making requests and complaints. When I see this happening I  have a talk with them and I ask what the real issue is, 90 percent of the time is money, the rent is too high for them. If that's the case, I feel it benefits everyone to arrange for them to leave on good terms if they cooperate with showing the property and keeping it in good condition. Again that will be your PM's call. As Michell Fischer said, let them do their job, if they are good, they will take care of it.

Initial screening and correct pricing is the key to good tenants and easy management. As simple as this sounds, it took me 12 years to learn this lesson. :)