Do the property management companies always overcharge?

Question

Hello! I need your advise.

I’ve been renting out my house through a property management company for two year. I’ve noticed quite a few unreasonable repair charges. For example like this one:

“one charge was to take the tenant code out of the garage door keypad so they wouldn't be able to access the unit, and the other charge was to re-sync the garage door remotes with the opener because they weren't working.”

I got two charges on the garage code reset on two different days one week apart while my place was vacant. Does it make sense? I’m currently living abroad and can’t manage the property on my own. Do all the property management companies handle the repairs without considering landlords’ expenses? Or shall I look for a new one?

Thank you in advance!

Davartay Miller · Answer

@Kelly W. Please correct me if I am wrong but I gathered the property was “rekeyed.” Rekeyed - meaning change of code/key access so that the previous resident and or persons can not return. Is this correct? If so, this is normal and not rare at all. It’s a rekey process but that process varies from company to company. Typically, the PM does this to protect your asset. If they don’t, perhaps someone returns and damages your property. You would want that, I am sure. Regarding the garage code/clicker, if it did not operate at the time of visit the PM probably sent a technician out to fix it so that it is operable. I will say, our Project managers will try and repair the clickers, if the power is on and it something that can be fix on site (to save our owner that expense). While it may be frustrating, it seems to be needed repairs unless I misunderstood your point. If so, I do apologize. I think it boils down to trust. Hopefully the PM is not nickeling and dimming you. If so, that is not the way you do business and just not right.

Best of Luck!

Nathan Gesner · Answer

When a Tenant moves out, your PM changes the locks. That includes changing the code on the garage door opening so the previous renter can't access the home with another remote. Then it appears they programmed a new code so it's ready for the next tenant.

Is it reasonable? That depends on what they charged. It takes me about five minutes to erase the codes and then set a new code. That would include programming a key pad. I never charge for something like that, but if I did it wouldn't be more than $10. If it were a locksmith, it would be part of the charge for changing locks which could be done in one hour ($60 in my market). If it's done by a handyman, it should be part of their other work (cleaning, painting, minor repairs, etc) and charged within that hour of work ($20 in my market).

How much were you charged?

Davartay Miller · Answer

@Kelly W. Sure thing! All expenses should have a reasonable explanation, no doubt. You are doing the right thing by asking the questions. I am not sure who the Property Manager is but I simply do not have enough information to see where they went wrong. Based on what you have provided us here in the forum, it looks to be fine.

Best of Luck!

Kelly W. · Answer

@Davartay Miller

Thank you for the reply, Davartay. It does come down to the trust. As a landlord, I do want a long term relationship with my PM as long as all the charges are reasonable and fair. Thanks again.

Do the property management companies always overcharge?

Do the property management companies always overcharge?

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