Consumption and Real Estate
Owner in dispute with property mgmt co. As a tenant do I pay rent directly to owner?
Question : Owner in dispute with property mgmt co. As a tenant do I pay rent directly to owner?
I live in the state of Utah. I am renting a townhome from an owner who lives in California and uses a property management company in Salt Lake City. I have been paying rent to the property management company since September 2009, and just last week (in December 2009) got a call from the owner who says the company did not give him the rent for November and December yet, and it is already middle of December. He requested that I pay him directly while he ‘investigates’ what is going on with the company. I am uneasy getting in the middle of this dispute. My feeling is he should switch to another property management company if he’s not happy with this one, and dealing directly with the owner as landlord wasn’t what I agreed to back in the fall. Not to mention repairs, my security deposit..what would happen to all of that? What could happen to me if I reroute my rent directly to the owner? I’d rather stay out of this mess.
salt lake property management
Best answer:
Answer by Wildcat
Your lease is with the property manager NOT the owner. Any issues are strictly between them and he had no business bringing you into the middle of it. You pay the PM per your lease until you get something from them stating other wise. If you do not pay the PM per your lease then you can be sued.
If he drops their services THEN you pay him or who ever else he contracts. If he does drop their services then your deposit will be given to him to continue to hold for you when you move out.
This is a really sticky situation that you’re in. You should get the tenancy branch involved. They are trained to deal with problems like this, and to advise you of what your rights are. Don’t just ignore the problem. You should talk with them asap. I hope that this helps you.