Are You Ready for a New Professional Residential San Diego Property Manager?

Are you feeling dissatisfied with your current San Diego property management company? If the management of your residential rental properties isn't meeting your expectations, it might be time to consider a change. Switching property managers can be a game-changer in ensuring your investments are well-handled, tenants are content, and your peace of mind is restored. 

Experienced San Diego property management professionals, Onyx Property Management serves the entire county, including San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, and the surrounding areas. Here's our guide on what to consider when making the important decision to find a new rental management provider.

Understanding the Need for Change

Begin by identifying the issues you're facing with your current property manager. Are they related to rent collection, tenant management, property maintenance, cost of services or communication? Pinpointing these problems will help guide you in what to look for in a new company.

Researching Alternatives

Once you've decided to switch, conduct thorough market research on potential property management companies. Look for those in your local area with a strong reputation for managing similar properties to your own or with expertise in areas where your current company is lacking. Reach out to the companies you're considering and ask about their management and communication style, and how they handle scenarios where your current company is failing you. This conversation can provide valuable insights into whether they're a better fit for your needs.

Ask detailed questions such as:

• How long have you been in business and are the owners hands on?
• How many and what types of properties do you manage - homes/condos, larger apartment style buildings?
• Do you have your own in-house maintenance team and when do you use outside vendors?
• Can you handle turnovers/renovations?
• What software do you use? Can vacancy listings, rental payments and maintenance requests be processed through this platform?
• Can you send me a sample of an owner statement and when do funds get distributed?
• How do you advertise/show vacant properties? Do you have a dedicated leasing department?
• Do you handle evictions and are there charges for this service? 

Check online reviews such as Google and Yelp to gauge the general satisfaction level of the new company’s clients and tenants. Additionally, be sure to ask them for referrals from other owners of San Diego rental properties who use their services. Hearing firsthand experiences can be incredibly helpful. 

Reviewing Legal and Financial Implications

Before making any moves, review your current property management agreement to help you assess the financial implications of leaving your current provider. 

Understand the terms for terminating the contract, including any costs involved. Some property management companies offer early opt-out options with specific conditions. For instance, Onyx Property Management will let you opt out early with a 30-day notice - but only if you have already worked with us for a minimum of 6-months. Knowing these clauses can help you plan your exit strategically without unnecessary costs.

You’ll also want to consider the upfront costs associated with engaging a new property management company. While some companies charge hefty initial fees, others do not. This difference in upfront costs can significantly impact your transition and overall budget.  At Onyx Property Management, we do not charge any fees for startup, lease up or vacancy.

Ultimately, your decision should balance cost against the quality of service. While it's important to manage expenses, remember that effective property management can save you money in the long run through efficient operations, reduced vacancies, in-house maintenance, and satisfied tenants.

Following Through on Your Decision