Thinking About Switching Property Managers?

You’ve decided you want better communication, stronger compliance, and fewer headaches. But one question is probably holding you back: what actually happens when you switch property managers?

Birds Nest Property Management is a locally owned, investor-led team delivering transparent, personal and safety-focused property management across Canterbury. With real-world investment experience, all-inclusive pricing and a meticulous approach to compliance, we treat every home as if it were our own.

Our fixed management fee includes routine maintenance coordination with no mark-ups or surprise add-ons, giving you clarity, confidence and peace of mind from day one.

What actually happens when I switch?

The good news? It’s far simpler than most landlords expect, and you won’t be left managing the transition yourself. Here’s exactly how moving to Birds Nest works:

Step 1: Initial Chat and Rental Review

It starts with a quick, practical conversation. We discuss your property, current rent, tenancy details, and any concerns you’ve had with your existing manager. You’ll receive a clear rental appraisal and a transparent outline of our all-inclusive management fee.

Step 2: We Handle the Notice to Your Current Manager

Worried about awkward conversations? You don’t need to be.

Once you sign our management agreement, we prepare and issue the formal notice to your current property manager in line with your existing contract terms. We check notice periods, manage timelines, and ensure everything is legally compliant.

Step 3: Documentation and File Handover

We request all key documents directly from your outgoing manager, including:

  • Tenancy agreements

  • Bond records

  • Inspection reports and photos

  • Maintenance history

  • Arrears statements

  • Compliance documentation

We review everything carefully. If anything is missing or unclear, we follow it up. This protects you from gaps in record-keeping that could create issues later, particularly around Healthy Homes or insurance claims.

Step 4: Tenant Communication

We formally introduce ourselves to your tenants, provide updated contact details, explain how maintenance requests will work, and confirm rent payment processes. There’s no disruption to rent collection or day-to-day management.

Step 5: Property Review and Compliance Check

Once the handover is complete, we conduct our own detailed inspection.

We assess:

  • Healthy Homes compliance

  • Maintenance risks

  • Safety issues

  • Documentation accuracy

If anything needs attention, we provide clear recommendations and coordinate trusted contractors. You approve works before anything proceeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be downtime between managers?
No. Management transfers on an agreed date. Rent continues uninterrupted.

What if I’m locked into a contract?
Most agreements allow termination with notice. We review your contract and advise you before anything moves forward.

Will this upset good tenants?
Handled properly, it rarely does. Clear communication and prompt service usually improves the tenant experience.

Are there hidden switching costs?
No. Our pricing is all-inclusive. What you see is what you pay.

Do you add mark-ups to maintenance invoices?
No. We don’t clip the ticket on maintenance. If a repair costs $450, that’s what you pay. Some agencies add margins, commissions or admin fees on top of contractor invoices. We don’t. Our management operates on a fixed, all-inclusive fee structure with no surprise add-ons.

For a full list of frequently aske questions, visit our ‘Owners FAQs’ page:

What Birds Nest Manages

From the moment you switch, we take ownership of:

  • Rent collection and arrears management

  • Routine inspections (every three months)

  • Healthy Homes compliance tracking

  • Maintenance coordination (no mark-ups or commissions added)

  • Detailed reporting

  • Tenant communication

  • End-of-tenancy processes

Switching doesn’t need to feel risky or complicated. With a clear process and a hands-on team, it’s straightforward.

If you’re ready to make the move, book a quick call with Birds Nest. We’ll outline your transition plan and take it from there.

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