Property Management Transition to landlord, tenant not cooperating

Nashville, Tennessee
General Landlording & Rental Properties
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Property Management Transition to landlord, tenant not cooperating

Dave Mills
Member since 2018 · 28 posts · 1 vote

I have a property that was previously managed by a property management company, and I decided to take over the property management myself. The transition with the property management went smoothly; however, I've encountered some communication issues with the tenant.

Initially, I sent an email, but I received no response. Then, I followed up with a text message, explaining the situation. I understand that my communication may have sounded like a scam, so I suggested to the tenant that they verify the transition with the property management company, which they did.

According to the property management, the existing contract is valid until the end of its term, which means there's no need to prepare a new contract, and everything should continue as is until December. The monthly payment is due on the first of each month, and I haven't received any communication from the tenant.

While it's not absolutely necessary for me to receive confirmation from the tenant, I am keen to get a response from them. Unfortunately, they have not replied to my messages, and I'm running out of options on how to proceed.

I'm not sure what the best course of action is at this point, and I would appreciate any guidance or suggestions on how to handle this situation.

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  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    2y

    It is now the 26th, so if they haven't paid rent to you or the PM, the PM should be giving them notice that rent is overdue and starting the eviction process.  Assuming they paid the PM, once the lease is coming to an end; have the PM reach out via email and cc you as well as sending notice in the mail asking if they want to renew the lease with yourself.  If not, then they need to move and you need to find a new tenant.

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  • Joe Norman
    Property Manager · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2014 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Have they paid their September rent? If so I would probably just send them instructions on where to send the October Rent and ask them to confirm receipt. If they do they I wouldn't worry too much.

    If they haven't paid September rent, however, I would file for eviction immediately.

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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Dave Mills:

    I consider failure to communicate to be a hostile action, especially if it's coupled with a failure to pay.

    I would stop reaching out. Start the eviction process immediately. They will either get their poop in a group and reach out, or they will be evicted and you can start fresh with a tenant that abides by the contract.

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  • Dave Mills
    OP
    Member since 2018 · 28 posts · 1 vote
    2y

    To clarify, the tenants have already paid their September rent to the property management. Since I'll be taking over next month, I'm currently trying to arrange the upcoming rent payments. However, I'm facing difficulties because they're not responding.

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  • Richard F.
    Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y
    Aloha,

    As you stated, it could well be the Tenant views your efforts as a scam, particularly if they had no previous knowledge that you are the Owner. You should have provided your PM with explicit instructions to provide a notice to Tenants of a change in Management, with an effective date, and at least the basic contact info for whoever will be taking over.

    Once that notice has been sent, they you would follow up a few days or a week later with your own introduction, and additional details on how, where, and to whom rent will need to be paid, and how to handle maintenance requests. Keep in mind, you cannot change any of the existing Rental Agreement terms except these payment/contact details, until IT has completed the stated term.
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  • Dave Mills
    OP
    Member since 2018 · 28 posts · 1 vote
    2y

    I included the project management team in an email to the tenant, but he didn't respond. So, I reached out to him via text, and later he confirmed with the project manager by calling them. Surprisingly, he didn't inform me about his call; I had to follow up with the property manager to find out.

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  • Dave Mills
    OP
    Member since 2018 · 28 posts · 1 vote
    2y

    Initially, when I was trying to confirm details, he did respond. However, once he realized I was the landlord, he stopped communicating. It's possible that he perceives this as an opportunity to his advantage, perhaps due to the change in roles.

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  • Michael SmytheBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Metro Detroit · Member since 2023 · 4k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y

    Suggest you tell PMC to copy you on ALL communications with the tenant.

    Read the lease and follow the procedures there about transfer of management.

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  • Nathan Brown
    Property Manager · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2023 · 101 posts · 77 votes
    2y

    I might send via certified mail specific instructions on how to pay rent and communicate with you moving forward. That way if eviction ever becomes necessary, you can use it to help your case. In any event, it sounds like a knock on the door would also be in order. 

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