Why Do Owners Want a MTM Property Manager, but 12 Month Leases?

[Drew Sygit]

It seems the majority of rental property owners want to lock tenants into 12-month leases. Yes, there are more than a few that insist a Month-To-Month (MTM) lease gives them more flexibility in getting rid of problem tenants, but isn't that what lease violations are for?

Given this, we're curious as to why so many SFR rental property owners are turned off by a 12-month management agreement? Is it just a case of wanting the "best of both worlds", where they can lock in tenants while keeping their own freedom?

Or is there some deeper reason?