Property Managers and Tenant Leases

[Xela Batchelder]

When you hire a Property Manager, does the Tenant sign the lease with the Property Manager or the Owner.  I have heard it could be either, if so - what are the pros and cons of each?

1. Pros and Cons of having the Property Manager sign the lease directly with the Tenant.

2. Pros and Cons of having the Property Manager have the owner sign the lease with the Tenant. (and then how does this work with eviction or other legal issues?  Do I as the owner have to do the eviction, since I'm on the lease and not the PM?  Does the Property Manager end up on any paperwork (besides the contract between them and me)?  What prevents the Tenant from demanding to just directly work with the owner?)

Thank you!!!

[Nathan Gesner]

The Property Manager should sign as the agent acting on behalf of the Landlord. Making the Landlord sign it does not protect the PM from liability. in fact, no matter who signs the contract, the PM is liable for actions of the owner and vis-versa. Adding the Landlord into the mix is more likely to increase the time/effort required and increase the risk of problems.