Pettit Property Management - "Where Your Home is Our Home" (or is it?)

The Pattern

Let's look at the stats on Pettit Property Management and what their clients and renters are saying.


Let's see what home owner Dan Knittel said in late 2023:

"I used Pettit property management for over 6 years, assuming they were performing regular inspections and maintenance. Oh, how I was wrong. A few years ago they identified some trim rot and I approved the repairs. Last spring I was contacted by the renter and HOA about the trim rot and lack of paint. I investigated and could not prove they did half of the maintenance I was charged for, and am now having to repair structural problems due to the trim rot! I also found out the renters were contacting Pettit about these and many other issues and Pettit failed to inform me or correct the conditions. I am not happy Pettit's performance and have subsequently fired them I do not recommend them if you want to keep your property in good shape."


Let's hear from renter Wael Abdullah:

"Awful people. Terrible at communication. Our heat went out in winter and they blamed us for not changing the air filter even though we had only been there four months. The technician said the filter was clearly more than a year old. If they aren’t going to change the filter when we move in, we shouldn’t be responsible for the upkeep they didn’t do. Charged us for the technician visit.

On move out we were meticulous and cleaned every inch of the house, even paid for professional carpet cleaners. We went through there own move our guide and did everything on it. Then with no communication we get a check for the security deposit yet it was short $2100 with blatant lies on there inspection. We left the house cleaner and in better condition than when we moved in. After reporting the error to them it has been over a month and they are still “investigating” and refuse to get back to me. I have had to contact a lawyer just to get my money back. Awful people and outright thieves."


Let's hear about the application process from someone who has:

"Scammers for sure . I paid the application fees and then they made me pay a 200 fee for holding the unit while they screen me. Then I don't hear from them for a long time so I just said forget it you obviously don't have the right process of screening people or it wouldn't take weeks . So I asked for my 200 back they said that backing out of the screening will cause me to not get my 200 back . I don't think they ever were screening me or "holding a house for me " I think they wait for people to say nevermind and then they keep the money . I doubt these people are even propert managers . They probably are just scammers . Let's see if they actually screen me and let's see if they really are holding a house for me ."

Spencer Zeman says they released renter personal information and have employees pad the few positive reviews?

"Both of the reviewers work at the company. They refuse to fix the electrical issues, exposed wiring, heater unit failure, and half the switches in the place do nothing. I received the stock reply on two occasions that "it is not in the owners budget." I won't go into the slew of additional repairs promised at move in by the rep. They also emailed my and every tenants personal email address to a contact list. There has been no reply to my concerns since."

Renter Danielle Swanepoel says:

"Worst rental company I have ever rented from! I would go into detail, but don't have time to read a 10 page response from Rachel Pettit. I think all these other ONE STAR reviews speak for themselves.

Also, do you really want to rent from a company where the owner dishes out everyone's personal information on a negative google review reply?

C'mon Rachel, you look ridiculous and unprofessional. Just take the negative reviews for what they are and STOP SCAMMING PEOPLE! Renters RUN!"


How do they treat military families? Jennifer Cello says:

"We loved the house we were renting but did not care so much for the management company. We have rented from many management companies while being in the military but this one has been our least favorite. After not receiving our full deposit back, I had to dispute charges that we received for issues that were annotated at move in. Pettit did work with us in correcting the charges and refunding what was owed, but it took several months. Maintenance was also slow to fix things and when they did it usually was not fixed very well and we ended up doing it ourselves."

Courtney Atwood says the following, I'm inclined to believe her:

"I do NOT recommend ever renting from them. I have rented multiple apartments and have a great renting history, got my full deposit back every time. This is the first time my husband and I have rented from this company and we regret it deeply as we had boundary issues from the beginning. We are also military and made sure to be careful with the lease.. They didn't break it or any laws, however their communication is terrible. There is something called common courtesy but I don't think they've ever heard of it. They will call you with 26 to 28 hours notice of inspection and will not accept any additional options for inspection. Even when asked to wait ONE day so that I can be home for the inspection. They refused, saying I didn't need to be present. I am a woman and I didn't want strangers in my home when I wasn't there. I also have dogs one of which is terrified of strangers. They did not care. They have done this multiple times. I have even called the office to try and explain the situation. They do not care and don't change their behavior. Now that we are moving out they have put a lock box on our door and have shown the house to people with only 26 hours notice, again against our wishes while I was unable to be there. Find another company. please for your sake.

Update!!!!
in our paperwork we were told that we left the house the best its ever been left. It was "very clean" and yet somehow we only got $300 of our deposit back.
They charged us for 5 hours of cleaning at $55 per hour..
They charged us for almost $100 of tax.. tax for what? They claim they made a mistake and are "working on it" but it has been months now and we have yet to see any progress.
I was charged for the removal of bird houses that I put on a tree in the front yard.
while living there I also put a shelf in two of the windows to cover their terrible painting job and provide a small shelf to place a plant etc. It was nicely painted to match the trim. I was also charged for removal of these shelves. I guess they don't appreciate anyone trying to increase the value and look of the home... my bad... I wonder if the owner of the home is aware of this???

Second Update!! We moved out the 1st of march. Its now the 5th of july and we still have not received our deposit back yet.

When I call they tell me they are working on it.
At this point I'm ready to contact a lawyer or news crew"


Jennifer Jay mentions:

"We were without water for 7 days over the holidays. Landlords have 24 hours to start repairs on an issue like running water. When I called they said they would start calling around for a plumber on Monday (2 days) .... I told them we would not be home and that they would have to meet the plumber. They said they had a key and would do so. 6 days later they said the water was fixed so I packed up my disabled mother and tried to move back into the home. We arrived and the water was not on. So we left once again. I called and they said because we were not home they were unable to check the water. The next day they rescheduled the plumber and charged me for it. Saying that when they arrived at the home and turned the water back on, the toilets were running. They considered that a repair that I did not report and should have notified them about. So not only are they charging me rent for 7 days of an uninhabitable house, they are charging me for the toilets running after water being off for 7 days. NEVER RENT FROM PETTIT PROPERTY MANAGEMEMT. EVER. This is not even the first issue we have had. They are also charging us with $535 septic call and lied about "grease" being the problem. I was outside the whole 10 mins the guys was there. He said it was a sloppy job when they put the manufactured home in and to make sure I was not charged for his emergency call. Rocks and dirt were blocking the pipe and backed up into the shower and sinks. This is a horrible company that needs to make good. Or be sued."

Raven Muliufi says:

"If I could give this place zero stars I would. They literally charged me an arm and a leg for my move out inspection. Also they took forever to contact me back when I needed something from them. They also will charge you if you lock yourself out of the house for someone to bring a spare key. Would not recommend using them for any type of property. It took almost a whole month for them to send me my final packet from move out. They will take your money and do random inspections, and say it’s fine to not be home for it. And while you’re moving out you give them permission to show the house to new possible tenants when you sign on for the place. I’ll never use this company again. I got jipped harder on this property than I did when I lived in Port Orchard."

Summer Berlin says:

"TLDR: Please save your money and do not rent from PPM. They will charge you thousands upon move out.

One positive: the gals working in the office are super friendly and helpful, and dropping off rent was always a nice experience.

The biggest negative: plan for THOUSANDS of dollars in move out expenses. We had a $2,000 deposit and still ended up paying $1,500 at move out. Carpet cleaning etc. is completely understandable, but on top of bills for professional cleaning services PPM charged us TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS for maintenance work such as replacing light bulbs, yard work, clearing the garbage disposal, etc.

After reading other peoples' similar experiences it truly feels like a scam."

Theresa Hauser mentions:

"As folks mentioned, if you rent they will come up with charges to keep your deposit. With previous landlords, I've never had this problem my entire adult life. I don't recommend them to anyone. They gave us $600 back and took off for things, such as not cleaning a light switch, which we did. I would never use them again.

They also harassed us about our yard having dormant patches after the record breaking heat wave even though we had watering restrictions and everyone in our neighborhood have dormant patches bc of the heat and lack of rain."


Young Shearer says:

If you want to say goodbye to the bulk majority of your deposit for the smallest little details, go with this company. We left our home in excellent condition but this company expects you to leave it as if it were just built and in perfect condition. there were a few minor scuffs on the wall here and there, we never wore shoes in the house, the carpet was professionally steamed and shampooed, we hired a professional cleaning company that guaranteed work. Even after the house was inspected, they found some things they wanted touched up but never even gave me or the cleaning company the opportunity to fix it. They will hold your deposit for two weeks before sending it out and if you're military and have to move across the country, then what are you to do?

Furthermore, they choose when they will come in your home to inspect it twice a year and will not work with you so you can be there when they pop in. Completely shady company that will smile in your face and then stab you in the back and fleece every petty dollar out of you. Do not use this property manager.

Amanda Crass says:

"We have only lived in our rental for a few months... I already wish we could leave. The communication issues are horrendous and are about pretty important things. You think you are going in to sign a standard lease... you are not. The things they ask for have never been asked of us by any other company or renter. They will harass you for information that you continue to send in to them to their email address, and they "never seem to get it".

They don't tell you anything true about the property or the neighborhood. They only care about getting the papers signed and then you are screwed. I wish we never went with them and that we never rented this place.

I know from reading other reviews now that I am sure we won't get our large deposit back and that we have a difficult move out since that seems to be the consensus. I just wish that day could come sooner.

I wouldn't even give them one star but Google won't let you post without it."

Ginger Lynn mentions:

"Most unreliable people. It blows my mind. Dont ever expect a callback when they say they will! dont count on them when they say theyre gonna do something. Theyll find ANY reason to charge you for something and then avoid your calls or hit you with the “we’ll have someone call you back” Theyre extortionists. Security deposit? bye bye! youll never see it again. Not matter how good of condition the house it. Dont rent from these ppl. Take these reviews seriously. I wish I had before moving in. Ive seen the horrible reviews but I gave the company the benefit of the doubt, thought maybe theyre just horrible tenants. But nooooooo. This really is a horrible company."

Heavenlee Babcock says:

"Rarely answer their phones or get back in a timely matter. When I finally got through on the phone, we set up a viewing of a home they had listed for rent.The following day I got an email since I also sent requests on Zillow truly and AHRN, saying that the home was no longer available. I sent an email back about the viewing I had scheduled for the following day & asked if my husband and I should still attend. I received an email back the morning of the day we were to view the home saying it was not available to not show up for the appointment that we should of gotten an email stating that the home was placed on hold. I don't have a single missed call or voicemail from them. Luckily I requested info on multiple sites or I would have randomly shown up for an appointment that didn't exist anymore at a home that still had the current tenants living there. Horrible communication."


A tenant identified only as Clay says:

"Lived in one of the homes under their management for a year. The absolute MOST CRUCIAL advice I can give you is to be diligent in your own tracking/logging of your bills and the conditions of the home.
The women I worked with at the desks and reception were always kind and friendly (the only reason I'm not giving 1 star).

However their practices seem malicious and greedy. They on several occasions attempted to bill us (myself and my other 3 roommates) for things with absolutely ZERO communication or explanation (by the way: on MORE THAN ONE OCASSION, YES, MORE THAN ONCE IN A 12 MONTH LEASE, we proved them wrong, and showed that we were wrongly charged for something, and only then was it resolved) . Getting a hold of them is incredibly difficult. And the manager [FRANCES ROWLEY] seems to have some sort of narcissistic complex where she believes she always has the right answers and always knows better than you. When provided with evidence to the contrary she quickly backs down, but PLEASE, PLEASE be diligent. Do NOT let this toxic style of management take advantage of you and steal your money. They WILL try and keep your deposit, even if you leave the rental in outstanding condition. Admittedly, I have only a relatively small amount of experience with property managers. But frankly, it blew my mind that someone could so blatantly attempt to take advantage of their tennents for what I can only assume are nefarious reasons. It's either that, or an absolutely astonishing, and completely unacceptable level of incompetence.

If you are of a younger demographic, you need to keep an especially careful eye out, as management seems to think that if you're young, you'll be too ignorant and stupid to know any better, and will pay any random bill or fee they throw at you without asking questions."

Austyn Rasler says:

"This agency is a joke 15 minutes before a scheduled viewing they canceled saying the property had been placed on hold sight unseen while never giving me the option to do so . The property was in poor condition when i arrived at my scheduled time because i was already on site when they canceled horrible experience do not do business with these people are a joke and after reading these other reviews i made the right call in telling them i would never do business with them."