When it comes to managing rental properties, having the right team in place can make or break your investment returns—especially when things go sideways. And let’s be real, tenants not paying rent is one of those times. The eviction process is already long and drawn out, particularly here in the Grand Rapids area, where things move at a snail’s pace. But what happens if your property manager doesn’t show up when it’s time for court? Unfortunately, we saw that exact scenario play out firsthand.
Evictions Take Time—And Every Step Matters
On the Friday before Labor Day, we were in court to initiate eviction proceedings for a couple of tenants who had stopped paying rent. If you’ve been through this before, you know the process can take around six weeks just to get your first hearing. And in our area, it’s often a two-step process—one hearing, followed by another a week later.
But here’s the kicker: when it was our turn in court, we witnessed two property managers who didn’t show up for their cases. These weren’t just mom-and-pop managers either—one managed several apartment complexes throughout Grand Rapids. Their absence had serious consequences for the owners.
The Cost of No-Show Managers
In one case, the judge had no choice but to dismiss the case entirely because no one was present to answer the court’s questions. That dismissal meant the owner would need to refile and start the process all over again—adding another 6+ weeks to their timeline. When you factor in the time already lost, those owners were likely out at least two months of rent with no resolution in sight.
In another case, the tenant had been served in person, but they didn’t show up to court. That should have been a straightforward judgment in favor of the owner. But since the property manager didn’t attend, there was no one to answer questions about the tenant or the property. The result? Dismissal. Once again, the owner lost time, money, and the chance to resolve the issue quickly.
Why This Should Matter to You
The takeaway is simple: not all property managers are created equal. Some companies will hire attorneys to attend court on your behalf—but they won’t send anyone from their own team. That might seem like a small detail, but in court, it can make a big difference. Attorneys aren’t always equipped to answer specific property-related questions, like the condition of the unit or whether a tenant is active-duty military. Without someone present who knows the property, cases can fall apart fast.
At Access Property Management Group, we take a different approach. We don’t just leave things to chance or pass off responsibilities. We hire an attorney, but we also show up ourselves—either in person or via Zoom. That way, if the judge has questions, we’re there to answer them on the spot. And here’s the best part: we don’t charge extra for attending court. Many other management companies tack on additional fees for this service, but we believe it’s part of the job.
Ask the Right Questions Before You Hire
So, here’s some practical advice: When you’re interviewing property management companies, make sure you ask if they’ll show up to court on your behalf. It might seem like a small detail, but as these cases show, it can save you months of lost rent and avoid costly delays. You deserve a management team that has your back—even when things get tough.
At Access, we know how frustrating it can be to lose time and money because of someone else’s negligence. We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
Thanks for reading! If you found this helpful, feel free to share, and as always, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
— Eddie
Access Property Management Group