You can switch property managers in California without asking a good tenant to move out. Give your current company the written notice your management agreement requires, sign with the new manager, and have the lease, ledger, security deposit and keys transferred, then tell the tenant in writing who the new manager is and where to pay rent.
Most owners who call us about switching already have a tenant in the home. They are not unhappy with the tenant. They are unhappy with slow replies, surprise charges or repairs that drag on. The good news is that changing managers does not touch the tenant’s lease. Here is how it works.
Step 1: Read your current management agreement
Before you call anyone, find your agreement and look for three things:
- The notice period. Many agreements require 30 days of written notice. Some require more.
- A cancellation fee. Some companies charge a fee to leave early, or a fee tied to the tenant they placed.
- The end date. If your term is ending soon, timing your notice to that date can avoid any fee.
Step 2: Sign with the new manager
Line up the new company before you give notice, so there is no gap where nobody is collecting rent or answering repair requests. Pick a start date that matches the end of your notice period.
Step 3: Give written notice
Send notice in writing, by email and in whatever way the agreement requires. Say the date management ends, and ask for the transfer of the items below by that date.
Step 4: Get the file transferred
Your current company should hand over:
- The signed lease and any addenda
- The tenant ledger, showing rent paid and any balance owed
- The security deposit, plus any prepaid rent
- The move in inspection report and photos
- All keys, remotes and gate codes
- Open repair requests, vendor contacts and appliance warranties
- A final owner statement
The security deposit sits in your current manager’s trust account. It belongs to the tenant until move out, so it must move with the property. Ask for it to be sent to the new manager, along with the ledger, so the numbers can be matched.
Step 5: Tell the tenant in writing
California requires tenants to have the name, address and phone number of the manager and of the person who receives rent, and how rent can be paid. When the manager changes, the new manager has 15 days to provide that information (Civil Code section 1962). A short letter introducing the new manager, with the new way to pay rent and request repairs, covers it.
Your tenant’s lease does not change
The rent, the end date, the deposit and every term the tenant signed stay exactly the same. The only things that change are who the tenant calls and where they pay. A good tenant usually notices one thing: repairs get handled faster.
What it costs to switch to Skybridge
| Item | Skybridge |
|---|---|
| Onboarding or setup fee | $0 |
| Single family home | $149 a month, flat |
| Condo, townhouse or ADU | $99 a month |
| Duplex to fourplex | $99 a door |
| Leasing fee on a home that is already rented | $0 (we charge 50% of the first month only when we place a new tenant) |
| Term | 12 months, and you can cancel anytime with 30 days notice |
See the full breakdown of property management fees, or read 10 questions to ask before you hire a manager.
Questions to ask your current manager before you leave
- Is there a cancellation fee, and what does it cover?
- When will the security deposit and ledger be transferred?
- Are there any open repairs or unpaid vendor bills?
- When will I get my final owner statement?
Managing a larger portfolio? Read when to hire a property manager for 15 to 40 rentals.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch property managers in the middle of a lease?
Yes. The lease stays in effect and the tenant keeps the same terms. California requires the tenant to be told in writing who the new manager is and where to pay rent within 15 days of the change.
How much notice do I have to give my current manager?
Check your management agreement. Many require 30 days of written notice. Skybridge agreements can be cancelled anytime with 30 days notice.
Does my tenant have to sign a new lease?
No. The existing lease transfers with the property. It is renewed under the new manager when it comes up.
What happens to the security deposit?
The current manager transfers the deposit and its accounting to the new manager, and the tenant is told where the deposit is now held.
Is there a fee to switch to Skybridge?
No. There is no onboarding or transition fee. Management is a flat $149 per month for a single family home.
Thinking about switching?
Call (909) 610-9780 or get a free rent estimate. When you call, a real person picks up.
General information, not legal advice. Check your own management agreement, and talk to an attorney about your specific situation. Skybridge pricing is current as of November 2026.
