Tenant wanted compensation for a negligent property manager

[Zoe Lee]

I have a tenant contact me for a negligent property manager we hired. She showed the records of her contacting the PM for repairs with no or delayed responses. Some were pretty bad like AC/heating or major appliances broken for a prolonged time.

We knew this PM was not top notch (he is always behind in forwarding the rents, almost never provided statements so we have been kept in dark regarding repair works or eviction), but we had no idea he was also being negligent toward the tenant. Now we have hired another PM to replace him, and are arranging contractors for the repairs. But now the tenant asked for compensation from us. 

How should we handle this? The tenant is good in paying their rents on time, but I don't think we should be the one to take the hit. 

Thanks!

Zoe

[Patricia Steiner]

Zoe, this tenant did you a big favor. First, she could have withheld rent until the repairs were made.  She didn't. And, she could have let this PM continue on being "not top notch" (why was that acceptable to you? Being late in forwarding rents is a serious issue!) but she reach out to let you know.  You're the owner.  You hired the PM to represent you and to abide by Landlord - Tenant Laws.  My recommendation is to make amends, compensate the tenant, and get the repairs made now.  It's simply one of those times when you have to cowboy up and make it right.