Handling Property Management Issues: Complaints and Termination
Key takeaways
- Most management issues stem from poor communication, reactive maintenance, weak financial control and overlooked lease administration.
- Property owners can address disputes legally and fairly, with the option to terminate management contracts with 30 days’ notice.
- Aegis prioritises clear and transparent communication plus regular reporting and tenant check-ins, which minimises the likelihood of disputes.
- It's easy to switch property managers. Aegis can manage the process seamlessly for you with limited disruption.
How do you complain about a property manager?
Even the most competent and experienced property managers face disputes from time to time.
The good news is that owners have rights and simple processes to follow that aim to resolve issues fairly and legally.
In Queensland, the Form 6a appointment agreement allows you to end a management contract with just 30 days’ notice — so you're never permanently locked in. The Property Occupations Act 2014 also sets conduct standards to protect landlords and ensure compliance.
The best way to safeguard against small frustrations turning into costly conflicts is to engage in open, transparent communication. Aegis provides clear, consistent reporting that builds trust and makes resolutions simple.
In addition, our proactive management style and regular tenant check-ins help prevent issues before they arise, keeping your property running smoothly.
Common Property Management Issues
Most landlord frustrations stem from a few recurrent issues:
- Poor communication, like unanswered emails, missed calls or vague updates, creates uncertainty around arrears, rent reviews and key dates.
- Delayed or reactive maintenance, often due to the lack of a Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) program, which can cause tenant dissatisfaction, compliance risks and asset wear.
- Poor financial mismanagement, such as incorrect fee handling or rent collection errors, can impact cash flow and distort financial reporting.
- Weak lease administration can result in missed rent or market reviews, or overlooked contractual obligations.
Your best protection is documentation. Record all correspondence, maintenance requests and outcomes. At Aegis, we log and store every record and call to ensure accountability and transparency, and we respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
We believe our approach reduces frustration, supports fair resolution, maintains service standards, and helps owners assess our performance.
How to Formally Lodge a Complaint
When problems arise, property owners often ask how to complain about a property manager, or how to report a property manager.
Start by gathering clear evidence — emails, photos and conversation records — then outline your concerns and desired outcomes to your manager in writing. If the matter remains unresolved, escalate it through the appropriate authority or industry body.
At Aegis, we believe efficient complaint handling is central to maintaining trust and limiting disruption. Our team understands Brisbane’s regulatory standards and manages every case professionally.
Feedback from landlords, tenants or contractors is reviewed by a senior property manager, with urgent matters escalated directly to our director, who responds within 24 hours.
We also send out feedback surveys every two months to both owners and tenants, reviewed personally by our director Mitch Connell. This helps us stay proactive, transparent and responsive in every aspect of property management.
Terminating a Property Management Contract
If the dispute can't be resolved through negotiation, it's important to understand how to fire a property manager and how to terminate a property management contract.
The process is straightforward but requires attention to contract terms and legal obligations. Most agreements include a standard 30-day notice period, which must be followed to avoid penalties. Reviewing your contract helps protect your financial interests, including rent collection and maintenance continuity.
At Aegis, we make the transition effortless. Once you’ve provided notice, our team manages the entire handover — keeping tenants informed and ensuring all records, access codes and keys are transferred smoothly.
There’s no downtime or disruption, just a smooth transition that protects your asset and sets it up for better performance. Changing property managers is easier than many owners realise — and with the right partner, it can be a fresh start. Find out how to switch property management companies here.
Best Practices for Preventing Future Issues
Successful property management relies on clear communication, measurable KPIs, regular reporting and strong professional standards.
Aegis takes a proactive approach through our Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) program — a structured schedule of inspections and works that keeps assets in top condition and avoids costly breakdowns. Maintenance scheduling and compliance monitoring ensure every system meets regulations while protecting your property’s value and reputation.
Regular tenant engagement builds trust and helps identify potential issues early.
By combining accountability, transparency and forward planning, Aegis prevents most disputes before they even begin.
Handling Issues Professionally and Effectively
When challenges arise, Aegis takes a structured approach to resolve disputes and manage contract terminations efficiently and in full compliance with legal obligations.
Partnering with a responsive, professional management company like Aegis gives owners peace of mind knowing experienced specialists are handling operations and addressing issues quickly.
Professional management safeguards compliance, protects asset value and nurtures strong tenant relationships built on fairness and consistency. Plus, our transparency — sharing all information openly with owners, good or bad — maintains trust and accountability.
Above all, we believe the level of service should match the value of your asset. If it doesn’t, it’s time for a management partner that delivers the performance and care your property deserves.
Experiencing issues with your property manager? Aegis provides professional, transparent and responsive property management services to protect your investment and ensure smooth operations.
Contact us today for a free property management consultation.