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Most know I live here in Charleston, but I own a duplex in Greenville. One of the units I manage on my own since the tenants are very low key. The other unit, I had a property management company managing it because it was a brand-new tenant and I wanted to get a feel for how they paid on time and treated the property. Well, I've been EXTREMELY unhappy with how this company has been handling the unit. All they do is collect the check it seems like. If an issue arises, I'm the one who has to find a contractor. There's also been countless other issues. Point being, what would you do in my shoes if you had a NEW tenant who you were still feeling out? Would you manage the unit on your own or pay a fee for a company to do it? My main concern is if this person ever has to be evicted, how that process would be (He does have a big security deposit down though).
We owned a condo in Florida and had to evict our tenant. Tried to sue for the 7 months rent he never paid, property he stole, etc etc. I did a lot of research on landlord vs. tenant and rights of both parties but I don't know too much about property management vs. tenant (other than being a tenant). I do know they are responsible for assessing risks, facilities management, financial and marketing. It doesn't sound like they are upholding their end of the agreement. Do you have a contract that states their responsibilities? Unfortunately, we had two properties we rented..both times turned out bad. I personally don't want to be the hands on landlord anymore..it's all in what you have time and patience for.
My husband LOVES property management, but I could care less for it. I see it as all the risks involved but he views it as all the income and equity you can make. We are making a $350 profit a month and will have the home paid off in 14 years. But, we do plan on selling this one in about 7 years. I'm not going to bad mouth the property management company, but I threatened to leave them based on breach of contract a few weeks ago and they begged me to give them another chance. Well, today I found out (by my new tenant) that the company had lied to me about something and that was the last straw. So far, this tenant has paid on time and has lived there since February and has a good job, so I don't foresee anything bad happening, but you never know. One good thing is that my parents live in Greenville and agreed to do the quarterly inspections on the home.
It sounds like you've got enough knowledge to handle it on your own. Chances are, if your tenant has paid on time thus far, then he/she will continue to. You have your parents in case of an emergency. I would just line up plumbers, locksmiths, etc. In case you need their services. If someone I had business dealings with lied to me, then I would lose all trust and end my business dealings immediately.
What to do if the company does not return our emails or phone calls in regards to returning the tenant's security deposit? Stupid question, I know. But I cannot believe an actual business is treating us like this. They still have the keys to the house as well. We wrote several emails over the course of two days and called several times and left voicemails.
Can we get the police involved? I need something to throw at them in case they seriously think they can get away with this behavior.
I'd rather have the police show up at their door. I'm not driving 4 hours to confront these jerks. The security deposit is huge...that's what I'm really concerned about. This cannot be legal.
I don't think police can get involved unless you have sone kind of summons. Not answering the phone or returning calls will not get the reaction of the police. I would show up at the door yourself (with cell video in hand).
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