Suing Property Manager

[Drew Kai]

I finally closed the sales of my 2 properties in Rochester, NY this month. Had to let go after holding on for a few years, due to the property manager issues (highly suspect that he even took the last month rent from a tenant who always pay on time). PM dropped us like a hot potato once he knew we wanted to sell the properties (giving us only a few days notice).

Made a big fuss too when he knew we wanted to sell (We had to sell cos he was mismanaging the properties, and did not even renew the Cert of Occupancy, despite reminding him for one whole year, yet still billed us for the inspection and COO cost!! Never ever sent us any receipts too). Does it mean I need his consent or have to sell according to his pleasure? I even had to pacfiy him and offered to give him the month's rent just so he can continue during the transition period (we are overseas investors so not possible to self manage), but he still sacked us. Unbelievable!!

He also blocked tenants from speaking to us directly and did not repair the heater for tenant even when the weather has turned cold. Thankfully, he had no choice but to give us the tenants contacts (though only 1 seem to work) after we engaged a new PM prior to our sale, and that was how I finally managed to communicate with one of the tenant.

I would like to know if I have any grounds to sue him? Not sure if this tenant I have contact with will be willing to be my witness. As I am based overseas, I am concern it could be an uphill tasks. Anyone has experience suing their PM for negligence or fraud before? Please advice. Thank you

[JD Martin]

My advice: move on. You can sue anyone for anything but you'll have to prove damages and my guess from your post is your damages are less than the cost of an attorney.