Property managers-Get things in writing and always get contracts!

Hello all!

Just wanted to share a recent story that burned me.

First, I do think my property manager means well, but is getting too busy to manage my properties.  I will likely be using another manager in the very near future.

Problem 1:  What I say on the phone isn't always remembered and I have no proof that it was said.  I purchased 3 4plexes in June 2015 and they are all right next door to each other.  I mentioned to my property manager very clearly via email that the previous owner had somebody mow and trim all 3 of these properties.  He told me that he had somebody that owed him a favor and could match that price.  I was more than pleased with this, as it brought me in below budget!

However, 2 months went by and I hadn't received a bill for mowing in their monthly report.  I mentioned this to my property manager and he told me that he would check into it.  One month later, I get a bill for almost $1800 bucks.  I set up a meeting with my property manager to ask him what he had contracted this company at and he tells me that he doesn't do contracts with this company.  Turned out that there was nothing the property manager could do except for get me a discount on snow removal...  Anybody feel like the same thing could happen in the winter?  Definitely not taking this deal.