A guide for rental owners
How to switch property management companies in California
A manager change is a records-and-responsibility handoff. Review the existing agreement first, agree a transition date, reconcile funds and transfer the rental file. Residents need clear instructions so rent and repair requests continue reaching the correct team.
Review the existing management agreement
Check notice requirements, termination provisions, outstanding charges and access to records. Do not assume that signing a new proposal ends the old agreement. Resolve questions about the current contract before committing to the transition date.
Build the handoff file
Collect enough information for the incoming manager to operate the property without guessing. Keep your own copies and document which records were delivered.
- Signed leases, addenda and resident contact details
- Rent ledgers, balances and deposit records
- Open maintenance requests and vendor information
- Property keys, access arrangements and condition reports
- Notices, owner statements and relevant correspondence
Reconcile funds and open work
Confirm the transfer or disposition of deposits, reserves and other property funds with the appropriate parties. Identify outstanding invoices, pending repairs and any payment in transit. A documented reconciliation helps avoid gaps and duplicate charges.
Give residents one clear transition message
Specify the effective date, payment instructions and repair contact arrangements. Coordinate that communication between the outgoing and incoming teams. After the handoff, check that account balances, documents and open work were received correctly.
Discuss the Suave onboarding scope
Suave has no setup fee. Ask the team to review the handoff file and identify missing information before the switch. The proposal should establish authority, ongoing fees and the work included; it should not imply that every obligation under the previous contract disappears.
Common questions
Can I switch managers during an existing tenancy?
A handoff may be possible, but review your current management agreement and plan resident communication, records and funds carefully. Get advice on any disputed contractual obligation.
Does Suave charge a setup fee?
No. Suave does not charge a setup fee. Existing-provider charges and other property expenses are separate.
What should residents be told?
They need the effective date, where to pay rent, how to request repairs and who to contact. Confirm the message and timing with the teams handling the transition.