Property Management Woes :(

[Troy M.]

I am an out of state investor who  owns about (5) 2-3 unit properties that I have professionally managed. The management company does a decent enough job marketing the units, getting them rented, and handling tenant requests. However when I ask for small little odd jobs to be performed, I get a lot of push back. It seems that any activity that does relate to them making money, they push back. 

Recent Examples: 

Need: “ I have appliances being delivered to a newly rehabbed unit. The delivery window is between noon and 4PM. Can you send someone over to be present and accept the appliances” 

Property Manager Response: “Thats not what we do as property managers. We don’t have anyone to send” 

Need: “I need you to purchase a dehumidifier and place it in a vacant room. Please do so and bill me for equipment accordingly.” 

Property Manager Response: “We don’t do that” 

I have been with this company for almost 1 year and I am giving them significant business while growing. Over the course of the year I have had many arguments over what is in their scope and how they should handle certain situations so that I have minimal involvement. I understand there is a “training period” but its hard to tell what other property managers are like without getting into bed with them.  Am I wrong in my expectations? 

[Austin Mountain]

I think clear expectations should be set at the beginning of the relationship so disagreements like these do not happen.  That being said, I don't think you are wrong in your expectations as those are things I do for my investors.