PM delayed renting unit/can I recoup rents?

[Linda West]

I hired a PM on 6/30/22 to handle an upcoming vacancy.  Confirmed in writing and via zoom chat that the unit would be ready 9/1/22.  For reasons known only to him and to God, PM decided to list unit as available 10/15/22.  It was rented 9/6 for occupancy 10/15.  I would like to recoup the money I believe I lost - this is a lovely, high end unit and rents immediately.  Had the PM listed it for 9/1 as I instructed, it would have rented a month sooner.  Thoughts?

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Linda West:

I hired a PM on 6/30/22 to handle an upcoming vacancy.  Confirmed in writing and via zoom chat that the unit would be ready 9/1/22.  For reasons known only to him and to God, PM decided to list unit as available 10/15/22.  It was rented 9/6 for occupancy 10/15.  I would like to recoup the money I believe I lost - this is a lovely, high end unit and rents immediately.  Had the PM listed it for 9/1 as I instructed, it would have rented a month sooner.  Thoughts?

It depends on what your agreement states. You said it would be "ready" on 9/1/2022. But what if the very first applicant said they wanted to start renting it 10/15/2022? Did you instruct your PM to not hold it for anyone that long? 

I'm very clear with owners. My policy is that I will not hold a vacant unit for more than one week. If the applicant wants it, they'll start paying rent, even if it's going to sit empty for a month. If they don't like that, they can wait and hope it's still on the market when they're ready to pay rent.

I just had someone apply for a nice home that is currently vacant and ready to occupy. They were approved, we offered it to them with the understanding they would move in about a week later. Last night they emailed us and said they will put the deposit down but they won't be moving in until January 1st. I told them they can occupy it any time they want but they need to start renting it next week. If they don't agree to that, then I'll leave it on the market and find someone else to rent it earlier.