Are we expecting too much from our property management firm?
Since we live 4 hours away from our properties, we have a property management firm.
A year ago we personally inspected the properties prior to putting them on the market for sale. We found the condition of one house alarming. Every room was extremely cluttered with trash and were filthy. We asked the management firm to address this situation and to make regular visits to ensure the house was clean. We even offered to pay for a monthly cleaning service.
The tenants moved out this summer without notice. (Due to a medical situation we were aware of, although it wasn’t right, it is understandable.) They left furniture, clothes, trash- everything – which we paid to have hauled away. We also hired an exterminator since every room was infested with cockroaches and other bugs. Our painter found that there was food left in the refrigerator...and the tenant moved out 3 months ago.
Are we out of line to be upset with the management firm for not inspecting on the property, allowing it to get in such a state? Is it normal for the management firm to do a periodic walk through of the property to check the condition of the house and the mechanical systems so problems can be address before they get too bad?