Thinking about a change?
How to Switch Property Managers (Without the Headache)
Last reviewed: July 2026
Switching managers in California is more straightforward than most owners expect. Here is exactly what to request, how the tenant transition works, and what to look for in your next manager.
Signs It’s Time to Switch
One of these on its own may be a fluke. Several together usually mean it is time to talk to someone new.
- Poor or slow communication (you chase them for updates)
- Long vacancies with no clear leasing plan
- Thin or confusing financial reports
- Unexplained charges on your statements
- A general feeling of being left in the dark
What to Request From Your Current PM
Ask for these records before the handoff. A clean file makes the transition smooth and protects you and your residents.
- Signed lease agreements for every unit
- Security deposit amounts held per tenant
- Maintenance and repair history
- Open or in-progress work orders
- Approved vendor and contractor list
- Owner ledger and financial statements
- Keys, lockbox codes, and access credentials
- Current tenant contact information
How the Transition Works
- 1
Review your termination notice
Most management agreements let either party end the relationship with written notice, often 30 days, but check your specific agreement for the exact terms and any wind-down conditions.
- 2
Notify your current manager in writing
Send the termination in writing per your agreement so the effective date and record handoff are clear.
- 3
Tenant notification is handled for you
Your incoming manager notifies residents of the change and shares new payment and maintenance details.
- 4
Tenants do not re-apply
Existing leases remain in force through the transition. Residents keep their lease. Nothing restarts.
What to Look for in Your Next PM
- Local expertise in your market
- Clear communication standards you can count on
- A defined, proactive maintenance process
- Reporting that is easy to read and on a schedule
- A DRE-licensed California brokerage
- AI-supported workflows with real human oversight
See what your rental could earn
A quick, no-obligation review of your property and a management plan tailored to your goals.
Get Your Fit ReviewSwitching property managers: common questions
Can I switch property managers in the middle of a lease?
Yes. Existing leases stay in force through the transition, so residents keep their current lease and nothing restarts. Your new manager takes over rent collection, maintenance, and communication.
Will switching disrupt my tenants?
No. A clean handoff keeps rent collection and maintenance continuous. Your incoming manager notifies residents of the change and shares new payment and maintenance details, and tenants do not re-apply.
What records should I get from my current property manager?
Request signed leases for every unit, security deposit amounts held per tenant, maintenance and work-order history, the vendor list, the owner ledger and financial statements, keys and access credentials, and current tenant contact information.
How much notice do I have to give my current manager?
Most management agreements let either party end the relationship with written notice, often 30 days, but check your specific agreement for the exact terms and any wind-down conditions before you give notice.
How do I start switching to Croskey?
Start with a free fit review. Croskey confirms your property is a good match, then coordinates the records handoff and tenant notification so the transition is smooth. Call (925) 336-3282 or request a fit review to begin.
Is Croskey a Good Fit?
We work best with owners of houses, duplexes, and small multi-unit buildings in Pittsburg and across East Contra Costa who want proactive, communicative management. Whether you own one rental or several, we tailor our services to your goals — backed by AI-supported workflows with real human oversight.
AI-supported, with human oversight
We use AI to work faster and stay responsive, but a licensed Croskey team member reviews the decisions that affect residents and owners. People stay in charge.
How we use AI