Clarifying communication lines
Question from Katrena updated on 3rd November 2016:
I am renting a new property and I have met both the property manager and the owner. The owner has been in contact with me via text message, but I do not want to communicate with her. I would rather have all communication go through the property manager. Is it reasonable for me to request that the owner not contact me directly?
Our expert Bernard Parker responded:
It is very reasonable for you to deal only with the property manager. It can become difficult for a property manager and for a tenant when an owner establishes a separate communication with the tenant. This can lead to confusion with the “left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing”. I suggest that you let the property owner know that you prefer to deal only with the property manager, and that the owner should do the same so that you all know what is going on.
Bernard is principal of Quinovic – Kapiti-Mana. Quinovic's outstanding people and systems provide the most professional, effective and reliable residential property management service in the NZ market for over 30 years.Search the Ask an Expert archive
Browse all questions in the Ask An Expert Archive »