Thinking About Switching Property Management Companies in Austin? What Owners Need to Know
Changing property management companies in Austin can feel daunting, especially with an active tenant, collected rent, a security deposit, and pending maintenance. However, switching property managers is a common process that is often much easier than owners expect and you do not need to wait for a lease to expire.
Common Reasons Austin Property Owners Switch
Most owners switch due to cumulative frustrations rather than a single issue. Frequent pain points include:
- Poor or inconsistent communication
- Slow or expensive maintenance and unexpected markups
- Vacant properties lacking a clear leasing strategy
- Confusing owner statements and frequent staff turnover
Property owners experiencing these issues can learn more about what to expect from professional Austin property management.
Key Questions About Switching Property Managers
1. Can you switch property managers with a tenant in place?
Yes. The existing lease generally remains in effect while management responsibilities transfer. The tenant simply receives clear instructions on where to pay rent, how to submit maintenance requests, and when the new manager takes over.
2. What happens to the security deposit?
During a properly coordinated transition, the outgoing property manager accounts for and transfers applicable security deposit funds and records. The new property manager should review the information received against available tenant ledgers, leases, and property records.
3. What if your current manager uses AppFolio?
If both your current company and Stetson Property Management use AppFolio Property Manager, familiarity with the same property management platform can simplify portions of the transition. However, our team still reviews leases, balances, security deposits, and property records before completing the setup.
Step-by-Step: How to Switch Property Managers
- Review Your Management Agreement: Look for required termination notice periods, cancellation fees, termination dates, and security deposit requirements. Stetson can help review the transition requirements with you.
- Provide Notice: Formally notify your current property manager according to the termination requirements in your management agreement.
- Coordinate the Transfer: Your new property manager should coordinate with the previous company to obtain available leases, security deposit records and funds, tenant ledgers, accounting information, and property records.
- Notify the Tenant: The tenant should receive updated rent payment, maintenance, and contact instructions to minimize disruption during the transition.
For a more detailed explanation of the process, read our complete guide to switching property management companies in Austin, TX.
Why Choose Stetson Property Management?
Serving Austin and Central Texas since 2009, Stetson Property Management provides full-service residential property management with established systems for leasing, tenant screening, maintenance, inspections, accounting, and owner communication.
- $0 setup or transfer fees
- 0% maintenance markup
- Six-Month Tenant Replacement Guarantee
Learn more about our property management standards and operations.
Ready to make a change? Contact Stetson Property Management to discuss your property, review your current management agreement, and learn how we can help coordinate the transition.
