Degrees of Separation
While reasons for hiring a property management company may differ -- landlord is busy with their day jobs, not interested in managing properties, don’t have enough time -- it is almost universally true that a direct relationship with the tenant almost exclusively benefits the tenant. Many landlords simply don’t want direct contact with tenants because they prefer the anonymity.
Why would a landlord be so cautious? Here are some reasons why some landlords choose to establish a degree of separation:
Disgruntled tenants: Some landlords fear for their personal safety or that of their families; they worry that an upset tenant will track them down and cause harm. They do not use their home or office address on leases, correspondence or any other paperwork the tenant will see.
Strength in Negotiation: Some rental property owners tell tenants they are a manager or representative of the owners of the property in order to avoid becoming susceptible to small (but financially significant) requests. Psychologically, a tenant will be less likely to take issue with a refusal handed down through an intermediary who lacks authority to alter the decision.
Strictly Business: Many landlords feel that their relationship with tenants should be all business and remain completely separate from their personal lives.
Safety: Tenants sometimes think landlords are wealthy. Some landlords worry that a tenant could use knowledge of the landlord's mailing address could make them a target of a future theft.
Screening potential tenants can help to reduce the risk of harm to you and your property -- using a property manager will reduce it even further.