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Updated 2 days ago on . Most recent reply
Negligent Property Management Companies in Cleveland
Hi everyone,
I’ve worked with two property management companies in a row that seriously failed to deliver, and I’m at a loss on how to move forward.
The tenant in one of my units was supposed to be evicted starting in early April. However, neither the first property manager nor the second one actually filed the eviction, and now, several months later, the tenant is still living there, and the process hasn’t even begun.
The second company has also been completely unresponsive. I’ve followed up multiple times, waited weeks for answers, and still haven’t received basic information or confirmation that anything is being handled. I hired them to take over day-to-day management and oversee the eviction and renovation, but I’ve ended up having to micromanage everything myself and lost thousands of dollars in the process.
Has anyone here taken action against a property management company for this kind of negligence or breach of contract?
What are my options to hold them accountable or recover some of the losses?
Is small claims court the only option, or is there another path I should look into?
Also, if anyone can recommend a truly reliable and professional property manager -especially for out-of-state investors- I’d really appreciate it.
Thanks for all the advice and recommendations.
Most Popular Reply
First, I’m truly sorry to hear about the experience you’ve had with not just one, but two property management companies. That kind of frustration, especially when you’re trusting professionals to manage your investment can be incredibly disheartening.
Regarding the eviction issue; In Ohio, it’s important to know that property managers are not legally allowed to file evictions themselves, only an attorney can do so. A good management company would work directly with one to handle the eviction process efficiently and legally. The fact that neither company moved forward with this step reflects poor oversight or a lack of proper systems.
To clarify the notice types, A 3-Day Notice is typically served for non-payment of rent. It gives the tenant three business days to pay or vacate before an eviction can be filed. A 30-Day Notice is generally used for termination of a month-to-month lease or for cause (other than non-payment) and gives the tenant a full 30 days to vacate.
As for holding the management companies accountable, review your contract with both companies to determine whether they breached any specific terms. If so, you may have grounds for legal action. Small claims court can be an option if your damages fall within Ohio’s monetary limits (currently up to $6,000 in most jurisdictions), but you may also want to consult a real estate attorney for more serious claims or contractual breaches.
Consider filing a complaint with the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing if the companies are licensed and you believe they acted unethically.
If you’re still looking for a reliable property manager, especially one who understands the unique needs of out-of-state investors I’d love to connect. I hope this information was helpful.
- R. Elle Berry
