You hired a property manager so you wouldn’t have to stress over leaky faucets, difficult tenants, or late-night phone calls. But what happens when the very person meant to lighten your load becomes part of the problem?

You’re not alone. Many Seattle landlords eventually find themselves wondering, “Is this still working?” Whether you’re a first-time landlord or have multiple properties, here are the clearest signs your property manager might be falling short—and what to do about it.

1. You’re Always the Last to Know

If your tenants are calling you directly, or worse, posting issues online before your property manager even mentions them, that’s a big red flag.

You should be looped in on major repairs, vacancies, lease renewals, and financial updates. Not knowing what’s happening on your own property can erode trust fast.

What to Watch For:

  • Delayed responses to emails or calls
  • Missed deadlines without explanation
  • No regular updates or reports

2. Tenant Turnover Is Getting Out of Hand

A high tenant turnover rate isn’t just annoying, it’s expensive. Every move-out means cleaning, advertising, screening, and possible rent gaps.

While some turnover is normal, a good property manager should work hard to retain good tenants through clear communication, timely maintenance, and fair renewals.

If tenants keep leaving, it might not be the property, it might be the manager.

3. Maintenance Is Always a Mess

Are repairs taking too long? Are you receiving vague or inflated repair bills? If you constantly hear complaints from tenants about broken fixtures or slow responses, it’s time to dig deeper.

Look for:

  • Surprise charges
  • No documentation of repairs
  • Tenants handling repairs themselves (a major liability!)

4. Financial Reports Are Confusing or Incomplete

Your property manager should provide easy-to-read monthly statements that track every dollar in and out. If you’re seeing discrepancies, missing invoices, or vague descriptions of “miscellaneous expenses”—you deserve better.

As an owner, your income and expenses shouldn’t feel like a mystery. Transparency is non-negotiable.

5. You Feel Like You’re Doing the Work

Are you chasing your manager for updates? Creating your own spreadsheets to track performance? Negotiating with vendors yourself?

If you’ve started doing the job you hired them for, it’s time to ask “what exactly are you paying for?”

6. They Aren’t Proactive, They’re Just Reactive

Great property management is more than putting out fires. It’s anticipating issues before they arise: lease renewals, maintenance schedules, seasonal upkeep, and even tenant satisfaction.

If your manager is only reacting when something goes wrong, you’re stuck in damage control instead of smart strategy.

7. Your Gut Says It’s Time

Sometimes, it’s not a specific event, it’s just a feeling. You no longer trust them. You dread their emails. You’ve started wondering what else you might be missing.

Trust that instinct. Your property is a valuable investment, and you deserve a partner who treats it that way.

What to Do If You’re Seeing the Signs

If a few of these red flags sound familiar, don’t ignore them. Start by reviewing your current management agreement.

Most contracts include a 30- to 90-day notice period. SJA Property Management offers a No-Fee Easy Cancellation Guarantee, because we believe working together should never feel like a trap.

Next, begin researching new companies and asking questions like:

  • How often will I get updates?
  • How do you handle tenant communication?
  • What systems do you use for reporting and maintenance?

Why More Seattle Owners Are Switching to SJA

At SJA, we believe great property management means more than just showing up. It means clear communication, full transparency, and service that makes ownership easier, not harder.

If you’re feeling unsure about your current manager, we’d love to offer a free consultation. Whether you’re ready to switch or just exploring your options, our team is here to listen. No pressure, no push.

Not sure your current manager is cutting it? Let’s chat. Schedule a free consultation with SJA today.