My Property Management Company Won’t Respond – and four Other Concerns

It is not uncommon to hear potential clients discussing their previous experiences with property management companies when they first come to us. While we know that there are many options to choose from when it comes to managing your property, we also know that not all companies will provide you with the same level of care and customer service. 

Unfortunately, if a potential client has come to us while already renting out a property, it is often because they are not happy with their experience at the current company they are using. Below are a few common questions we hear from potential clients when they begin looking at other options for managing their property.

My property management company won’t respond to me. What should I do?  

This is one of the most common things we hear from potential clients who are not having a positive experience with the current property management company they are using. The top complaint about property management companies is a lack of responsiveness – this can often be seen clearly in many company’s reviews.

If you have found yourself in a position where you are working with a property management company who is no longer responding to you, or is ignoring questions about billing, there are a few things you can do.

The first is to begin searching for other companies in your area. By looking into what your options are, you are taking the first step towards a better fit for your needs.

It is also important to begin looking at your contract. How far in advance do you need to put in your notice? As soon as you decide which company you’d like to go with, you should put in your notice to cut ties as soon as possible. By doing this early on, you will spend less time with the company, and give your new company the opportunity to get the ball rolling.

When should I call it quits – and start looking somewhere else?

If you do not trust your property management company to take care of the property, have your best interests in mind, or to properly treat tenants living at your property, it is time to look at other local options.

Red flags at a current company that are cause for putting in notice can look like excessive complaints from tenants, a lack of responsiveness to your questions, or no explanation behind various charges.

It is essential that you feel you are being heard, and that you are kept in the loop about any major things happening at your property.

What are some red flags to look out for?

You can avoid being in difficult situations with a property management company by keeping an eye out for any red flags before you sign anything.

A great way to begin to look for red flags is to see how long it takes them to respond to your initial contact request, as well as response time to any other communication you have with them. If the company takes a long time to answer your questions, or they respond in an impersonal way that does not answer your question, you can expect similar (if not worse) communication once the contract is signed and you are their client.

If they cannot respond quickly and well when they are fighting for your business, it will likely not improve once they have won you over.

How can I vet a new company?

You can vet a new company properly by looking at the red flags listed above. If the company is responding quickly and well to your outreach, you can dig a bit deeper.

Looking at the company’s reviews is a powerful way to get a glimpse of what your experience with them will look like. If the reviews are low, this is something to consider.

Many property management companies will try to explain negative reviews by sharing how they were left by tenants, not property owners. They may even say that the review was earned by putting the property manager first. This is not typically the case, and it is best to avoid companies that use this line of thinking.

A great property management company will not only prioritize and treat the property owner well, but will also keep the tenant happy. It is keeping the property owner’s best interest in mind when a property management company treats the tenant well and respectfully. Happy tenants are more likely to take care of the property, report any damages before the problem grows, to pay rent on time, and to stay for longer than one year.

Overall, switching property management companies does not have to be overwhelming, and can be a positive process of learning what is available in your area, and determining which company will fit your needs best, giving you the most peace of mind.

If you are interested in switching property management companies, or have any questions that were not answered in this article, feel free to reach out and start the conversation about your property, today!