Seeking Advice on Property Manager Issues and Termination Process

[Tiffany Tan]

Hello everyone,

I need some help with my PM. Here's the situation:

I hired my PM in February and officially signed the contract in March. I understand that the rental market can be slow in winter, but since then, they have only shown my unit once. I previously managed the unit myself and rented it out for $1200 with a washer and dryer included. Due to my ex-tenants misusing the washer and dryer, I decided to remove them.

Initially, we listed the unit at $1200 (I know it's on the high end). We've since reduced the price to $995, but there haven't been any showings. I listed the unit myself on Facebook and my university's off-campus housing site and received many inquiries. I directed all these inquiries to my PM, but there's still no showing. My PM charges potential tenants a two-month security deposit—could this be why we are pushing people away?

Am I being too anxious? I'm seriously considering firing my PM. I've emailed them several times without a response. Our contract states a two-month notice for termination but doesn't mention any costs. Am I allowed to terminate their services at this stage? Am I liable for anything?

Thank you for your advice.

[Michael Smythe]

@Tiffany Tan we see two issues:

1) Your PMC not responding to your emails within 24-48 hours.
- We all get busy and can't respond to everything ASAP, but 24-48 hours is not hard to do!

2) Why are you allowing them to set the 2 months SD? 
- We work with our owner clients to figure out what's best for their individual property.

Have you asked for a list of the websites they are advertising your property on? 

Have they put it on the local MLS with a commission offer to other agents?