How to Switch Property Managers in WA

You can change property managers in WA at any time by giving written notice under your current management agreement and appointing a new manager. The tenant’s lease does not change: it is an agreement between you and the tenant, so it continues on the same terms. The bond also stays put, because WA bonds are held by the state’s Bond Administrator, not by the agent (Consumer Protection WA).

Can you change property managers in the middle of a lease?

Yes. Mid-lease changes are routine. The lease, rent and end date stay exactly as they are. The only thing that changes for the tenant is who they pay rent to and who they call for repairs, and the new manager tells them in writing.

How much notice do you need to give your property manager?

It depends on your management agreement, so read it first. Look for the notice period, any minimum term, and any fee for ending the agreement early or for the remaining leasing period. Give notice in writing and keep a copy.

What are the steps to switch property managers?

1. Check your current agreement for the notice period and any exit fees.
2. Choose and sign with the new manager. Compare published fees and services; ours are on our property management page.
3. Give written notice to the current manager, with the handover date.
4. Authorise the handover so the new manager can collect the file.
5. The new manager contacts the tenant with new payment and contact details.

What gets handed over to the new property manager?

• the signed lease and any renewals or variations
• the bond lodgement details
• ingoing condition report and routine inspection reports
• keys, remotes and access devices
• maintenance history, warranties and compliance records such as smoke alarm checks
• the rent ledger, arrears status and any notices issued

Condition reports matter most: they are the evidence for any bond claim at the end of the tenancy.

What happens to the bond when you change managers?

Nothing needs to move. In WA, bond money is lodged with Bonds Administration within 14 days of payment and held there until the tenancy ends (Consumer Protection WA). The new manager simply needs the bond reference so the release can be handled correctly later.

When is the best time to switch?

Any time the current service is costing you money. Natural points include before a lease renewal, before a rent review, or when the property is vacant. Waiting out a year of slow leasing, missed reviews or skipped inspections usually costs more than any handover inconvenience.

What should you expect from a new manager in the first month?

• a written onboarding plan and a single point of contact
• a property condition review, with photographs
• a rent check against current leased evidence, within the law’s 12-month limit on increases (Consumer Protection WA)
• a clear reporting schedule for statements and inspections

That is our standard handover. Talk to us and we will manage your current manager’s exit paperwork for you, or request a rental appraisal first.

Frequently asked questions

Does my tenant have to agree to a new property manager?

No. The lease is between you and the tenant, and it continues unchanged. The tenant just needs the new manager’s contact and payment details.

Do I need to re-lodge the bond when changing agents?

No. WA bonds are held by Bonds Administration until the tenancy ends, so the bond stays where it is.

Can my current manager charge me to leave?

Only if your management agreement allows it. Check the notice period and any termination or leasing fees before you give notice.

How long does a handover take?

Usually the length of your notice period. The file, keys and tenant introduction are handled within that time.