Problems before any lease signed

[David Dokter]

Not sure what to do here, I have a new property manager relationship for a duplex. One side has been listed for about 2 1/2 months, I keep being told that it’s getting “great activity”, “wont last long” and will be rented “end of this week”, every two weeks or so when I have to call to check in. I’ve been told this on and on for months.

The other side I was told was listed before the tenant living there moved out, but has sat empty for a month after move out still hasn’t been cleaned, updated or repaired and I haven’t been given any assessments. I also haven’t seen any active listings for it similar to the first unit listing. I have to reach out every time to check in, and I feel like everything’s an exaggeration or runaround to kick the can down the road yet nothing is happening at all.

I signed a contract and I know some expenses have been shouldered such as photos and clean out of the first unit, so not sure of my options or if this is all normal. I have units in other states and have never had this issue before. Can I back out now at this point?

[Noah Laker]

Sounds like an inattentive PM and presumably they've violated the contract (I'm not a lawyer, talk to your lawyer). 

If I were you, I'd fire them fast and get a new PM involved quickly. Vacancy is often your greatest expense as a landlord.