problems with property management

Member since 2022 · 62 posts · 39 votes

how can you change from management company when your previous management person doesn't answer your texts and phone calls to at least let them know you don't want to work with them anymore . can you do it by just sending them a notification that you're no longer working with them? . this is one of the main reasons i want to change management company because of lack of communication . or can i just hire a new company . i'm so confused

0 Reply

535 views

Most Popular Reply

Michael Eskenasy

Investor · Pacific Northwest · Member since 2026 · 512 posts · 293 votes

The bigger issue is that their lack of response cannot become a veto over your ability to move on. Pull the management agreement and follow the termination clause exactly. If it requires 30 days’ written notice, certified mail, email, or some other method, do that. Document every unanswered call and message. Then give a clear termination date and require a written handoff of leases, keys, deposits, tenant records, maintenance issues, and any funds they’re holding. I would not simply hire another company while the first agreement may still be legally active, but I also would not keep waiting indefinitely for someone who refuses to communicate. Their silence is information. The contract tells you how to end the relationship; you don’t need their enthusiasm or cooperation to start that process.

1 Reply

See this reply in the discussion

15 Replies

Jump to latestLatest

Sort by

Michael Eskenasy
Investor · Pacific Northwest · Member since 2026 · 512 posts · 293 votes
6d
The bigger issue is that their lack of response cannot become a veto over your ability to move on. Pull the management agreement and follow the termination clause exactly. If it requires 30 days’ written notice, certified mail, email, or some other method, do that. Document every unanswered call and message. Then give a clear termination date and require a written handoff of leases, keys, deposits, tenant records, maintenance issues, and any funds they’re holding. I would not simply hire another company while the first agreement may still be legally active, but I also would not keep waiting indefinitely for someone who refuses to communicate. Their silence is information. The contract tells you how to end the relationship; you don’t need their enthusiasm or cooperation to start that process.
1 Reply
Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
6d
Michael is right, look at your contract with them. Then give them notice and talk to a new PM who can then take over. Let the tenants know there is a new PM and give them their contact info. you don't need them to reply to your messages, just send them a formal notice.
0 Reply
Drew SygitBusiness Member
Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
5d
This should be covered in your contract with them.
If not, send them a 30-day termination notice via registered mail.
How are you going to get lease, rent ledger, security deposit and tenant contact info?
[email protected]248-209-6824
Logical Property Management4.9451 Reviews
Website View Page
0 Reply
Diana Khan
Attorney · 10451 Mill Run Cir #755 Owings Mills, MD 21117 · Member since 2024 · 317 posts · 119 votes
5d
Quote from @Kristin Vegas:
how can you change from management company when your previous management person doesn't answer your texts and phone calls to at least let them know you don't want to work with them anymore . can you do it by just sending them a notification that you're no longer working with them? . this is one of the main reasons i want to change management company because of lack of communication . or can i just hire a new company . i'm so confused
@Kristin Vegas, I’ve helped landlords through situations where the bigger problem was not ending the management relationship, it was making sure nothing got lost during the handoff. When communication is already poor, I like everything from that point forward to be in writing.
I would follow whatever termination process is in your management agreement, but I would also ask for a full handoff by a specific date. That should include the leases, rent ledger, security deposit records, tenant contact information, keys, open maintenance issues, and any money they are still holding. I’ve seen transitions become much harder when the new manager starts without those basics.
I’d be glad to stay connected, @Kristin Vegas. Property management changes can feel messy in the moment, but a clean written handoff usually makes the next step much easier.
1 Reply
Paul De Luca
Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
5d
@Kristin Vegas
Review your management agreement/contract for a clause regarding termination and follow the correct steps. Consider contacting an attorney if they don't respond or abide by the agreement.
0 Reply
Patrick O'SullivanBusiness Member
Property Manager · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 523 posts · 196 votes
5d
Start with the management agreement and follow whatever termination process is in there. I wouldn’t wait for them to respond before sending formal written notice. Just make sure you document everything and have a plan for getting the leases, deposits, keys, tenant info, and records transferred to the new manager.
[email protected]480-795-7938
get MULTIfamily Property Management4.7220 Reviews
Website View Page
0 Reply
Marc Winter
Real Estate Broker · Northeast PA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
4d
@Kristin Vegas
1 Reply
Richard F.
Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
4d
Texts and phone calls are a waste of time when dealing with critical issues, whether with tenants or your PM. Or your client owner.
Clear, direct, businesslike, written letter specifying a deadline to respond with documents and facts before escalating to the local RE governmental oversight, sent certified, return receipt requested, and email, give you the tracking that you need for these issues. Over the years I have seen several legit PMC's go out of business, and it started just like this. No response. No NET rental deposits when expected. No communications explaining why, or, phony claims of tenants paying late, with the PM converting the funds to try to keep the doors open, or otherwise.
Your termination option should have been clear at the time of signing the management agreement, but unfortunately too many rube investors do not take the time to closely review and understand what they are signing. Now you need to be concerned with getting copies of current, actual rental agreements and contact info for tenants; 100% of tenant security deposits transferred to you, and determining if there are outstanding invoices, utils, or service contracts that you will become responsible for.
Even if you here something from them suddenly, with excuses etc, you need to move forward. There is no excuse for failure to respond, unless this is a rogue agent in a much larger company. If that is the case, contact the Prinicipal Broker directly for answers.
0 Reply
Josh C.Pro Member
Property Manager · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2010 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
4d
Don’t over think it. It’s highly unlikely they are gonna to try to screw you. 30 day notice and they will happily give you leases, keys, and tenant contract info. Sometimes things aren’t a good fit. It’s fine. Send them an email saying you are terminating and read your contract to see if there is a fee or not. If they messed up and you can show “I’ve emailed three times and you haven’t responded” you should ask for the fee to be removed and they likely will.
0 Reply
Adam BartomeoBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
4d
Normally, there is an expiration before the you can leave. There are often penalties if you leave before the expiration date. Read your contract to understand the terms and send them a certified letter
[email protected]239-339-3969
Bartomeo Property Management4.7150 Reviews
Website View Page
0 Reply
Alan T.Pro Member
Rental Property Investor · Member since 2019 · 16 posts · 3 votes
2d
If they are that poor in communication, you're probably going to have two material issues. a) getting the security deposit and any other deposits - make sure you know exactly what that number is. It helps if your state has rules on how fast they need to send it your way. b) communicating with the existing tenants.
Ideally, you have some sort of leverage besides "we'll leave you a bad review", otherwise I think I will echo Richard and Pauls advice - look at the PM agreement, follow it and future correspondence in short, direct manner.
0 Reply
Danny Gonzalez
Real Estate Broker · Member since 2024 · 129 posts · 60 votes
1d
@Kristin Vegas Makes sense. Silence from the current manager should not freeze the exit if the agreement gives you a written termination path. Send dated written notice to the address in the contract, set the termination date, and demand the handoff package in the same letter: leases, ledgers, deposits, keys, tenant contacts, and open tickets. A new PM can usually start onboarding from that package even if the old shop stays quiet. What notice period and handoff language does your current agreement actually require?
0 Reply
Amit PatelBusiness Member
Property Manager · Bartlett, IL · Member since 2025 · 143 posts · 57 votes
19h
Hey Kristin,
Sorry you are going through this. Being ignored by the company that is supposed to take care of your property is exhausting, especially when you are trying to make a clean change.
You cannot just hire a new company and assume the old one is done. The management agreement almost always requires written notice, often 30 days, before the relationship ends. Ignoring calls does not cancel that contract for you.
Send a clear written termination notice by email and by certified mail to the address in the agreement. State the end date, ask for a final accounting, keys, files, and owner funds, and keep copies of everything. If they still do not respond, the paper trail is what protects you.
A new manager can help with the handoff, but they should not start collecting rent or signing leases until the old contract is properly ended. Otherwise you can end up with two companies claiming the property and messy trust account issues.
Lack of communication is a valid reason to leave. Just do it in writing so you are not stuck paying fees or fighting over records later.
Casanomy Property Management562 Reviews
Website View Page
0 Reply
Leo SteinBusiness Member
Property Manager · Orange County, CA · Member since 2025 · 21 posts · 4 votes
17h
Their silence is not a veto. Pull the management agreement and send written termination the way the contract requires, usually email plus certified mail with a clear end date. In the same letter demand the handoff package: leases, ledgers, deposits with accounting, keys, tenant contacts, and open tickets. Do not let a new company start collecting rent until the old agreement is properly ended. Lack of communication is a fair reason to leave. Just do it in writing so you are not fighting over records later. Not legal advice.
[email protected]949-391-1019
Real Property Management Optimal 511 Reviews
Website View Page
0 Reply
Dan NelsonBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Chicago and Kansas City · Member since 2016 · 74 posts · 57 votes
13h
Hi Kristin, your management agreement is the roadmap here. Pull it up and find the termination section. Most have a notice window, often 30 or 60 days, and some charge a fee to leave early. Whatever it says is what you follow, and written notice usually counts by email.
Two things make the switch smooth:
1. Hire the new company first. Good managers do this handoff all the time, and most will run it for you.
2. 2. Make a transfer list: leases, security deposits, keys, tenant phone numbers and emails, and any open repair items. The big one is telling tenants in writing where next month's rent goes.
A manager who does not answer the owner is answering your real question for you. You are allowed to move on, and the new company will usually be glad to chase down the old one for the files. Good luck!
[email protected]773-295-1751 Podcast Guest on Show #2
Dan Loves Houses4.970 Reviews
Website View Page
0 Reply

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.