All Forum Posts by: Nadir M.

Give him a call, apologize for asking him to put TP in the trash can (that will create common ground and a more reasonable starting point for a resolution), let him know that prior residents did not have issues, have his family curtesy flush, and let him know that future clogs are his responsibility.  If that does not work, as you mentioned, feel free to allow him to move out.

All the replies above are based on ASSUMPTIONS about the condition of the plumbing.

Is the plumbing able to handle the “standard” amount of toilet paper being flushed and the tenants are just “loading it up” before flushing thereby causing the problem?  Or is the plumbing not able to handle a normal amount of TP and rather than the tenants being the problem the fact that the plumbing is inadequate is the problem?  So first, you need to determine whether or not the plumbing CAPACITY is up to today’s standards.  If so, you’ll need to stand firm with your tenants.  If it is not up to today’s standards, and the tenant was not informed of such before he signed the lease, then ethically, if not legally, it’s “on you”.  If this is the case Step 1 is to determine a fix and the associated cost. If the cost is reasonable, I would go ahead and make the improvement.  If the cost is out of line, I would try to reach an “accommodation” with the tenant.  Something like he agrees to flush more often and for every month with no back up I credit his rent $25.  
Good luck.  What you’re experiencing is the problems, responsibilities, and negotiations, frustrations, expenses, etc. of being a landlord.  Most of us doing it a long time have developed systems so that we handle these things efficiently.  My particular program is to only invest in class A in residential (I do b, c and even d in commercial), charge the tenant the high end of the scale, and fix immediately anything he wants that’s even semi reasonable.  That works for me but probably won’t for a majority of landlords. 

 Yep I would not do this if I was a tenant. I have been to some islands where you need to do this and I was like - no thanks.

Have you had a camera go down the drain? What I would do is get a camera down the waste line, share it with them and let them know. Thenif it clogs and its because of too much TP then charge them. They will eventually learn. If its because the home is old, that is more on you in that instance.

@Nadir M. Depends how professional the current PMC will be about the transistion.

First, have client get all leases.

Then rent ledgers.

Make sure you get a copy of their current management contract, so you understand the Termination requirements - you don't want to break any state agency laws and have the curent PMC file anything against you.

Make sure the client follows the Termination requirements BEFORE you take over.

Suggest the owner emails their Termination notice to current PMC and copies you on the email. Then you can respond to "All" and keep the owner abreast of how their current PMC is cooperating.

No more than 30 days before the Termination Date, you'll want to send an intro letter to the tenants. Be sure to CLEARLY state the date your company is taking over.

Hopefully, it goes smoothly.

@Nadir M.,

Transitioning multiple units from one property management company to another can seem overwhelming, but with the right process in place, it can be smooth for all parties involved—owners, tenants, and both PMCs. Here’s how we typically handle the transition for a seamless experience:

1. Communication with the Current Property Management Company

• First, establish open communication with the outgoing PMC to coordinate the transfer of information and documents. Request a full handover of tenant files, maintenance records, current lease agreements, rent rolls, and security deposit information. Make sure they provide all relevant financial data, vendor contracts, and other important documentation for the properties. It is best to provide them with a checklist of items you are requesting.

• Ensure that notice is provided in accordance with any contractual obligations or terms with the current PMC, to avoid any conflicts.

2. Transfer of Leases and Tenant Information

• Review the existing leases to ensure compliance with local laws and assess any terms that may need to be adjusted. Typically, existing leases remain in place until their expiration, and the new PMC assumes responsibility under those agreements. We typically do new leases with any acquired tenants at their next lease renewal.

• Communicate with tenants early in the process, introducing your company as the new property manager. Provide them with contact information, a new rent payment portal (if applicable), and an overview of any changes to procedures.

3. Update Payment Processing

• Work with tenants to transition their rent payments to your system. Ensure that all deposits, rental payments, and other financials are correctly transferred, including any past due amounts or credits that may be in place.

• Coordinate with the former PMC for the transfer of security deposits, ensuring they’re accounted for and properly transferred into escrow. Then provide the required notices to the tenants that your company is now holding their security deposit funds in escrow.

4. Maintenance and Vendor Transitions

• Review current maintenance requests and contracts with vendors. If the former PMC had specific vendor agreements, confirm their terms and see if they can continue under your management, or transition to your preferred vendors.

• Make sure any outstanding repairs or maintenance issues are addressed as part of the transition.

5. Property Inspections

• Schedule property inspections to evaluate the current condition of each unit and ensure that you have a clear understanding of the properties you’ll be managing. Document any deferred maintenance and address it promptly.

6. Ongoing Tenant Communication

• Provide tenants with clear, consistent communication throughout the transition period to reduce confusion or anxiety about the change. Keep them informed of any changes to policies, maintenance requests, or rent collection.

7. Final Reconciliation

• Ensure that all financials are reconciled between the outgoing and incoming management companies, including security deposits, rent payments, and any fees. A final settlement statement should be agreed upon to ensure no discrepancies.

This process ensures that the transition is efficient, minimizes disruption for tenants, and allows you to take over the management of the units with all the necessary information at hand.

I hope this helps, and best of luck with the transition!

Best Regards,

Stephanie Michael