Property manager asks neighbours to spy on tenant in letter

A PROPERTY manager has denied suggestions that she asked for neighbours to spy on a tenant, in a letter promoting her new agency.

A PROPERTY manager has denied suggestions that she asked for neighbours to spy on a tenant, in a letter promoting her new agency.

The letter to the Highett residents gives the tenant’s address and calls on neighbours to report “disturbances”.

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Prime Residential Property Management founder Melissa Hickson wrote that the agency kept a “close eye” on its tenants but needed public ­watchdogs to keep their eyes and ears peeled.

“We’re very fussy about the tenants who rent through our agency and would like to ensure that the neighbourhood is happy with the tenancy at all time,” the letter reads.

Prime Residential Property Management founder Melissa Hickson.

“We conduct regular inspections and drive past the property all the time, but we can’t be in your street at 11 on a Saturday night to make sure that the noise levels are kept under control, and we’d like to ask for your help with this.

“You live in a lovely street and area, and we want to help keep it that way.”

Real Estate Institute of Victoria president Richard Simpson suggested the letter had been sent as an inappropriate marketing ploy.

“This is not a standard practice of property managers. It would appear to be a marketing exercise by the agent,” Mr Simpson said.

Ms Hickson conceded the letter had been a way to get her brand recognised by potential clients.

A letter sent from a property manager to residents in Highett asking them to report issues with a tenant.

The letter plugs her agency for “rewarding” good tenants who look after their properties, and asks interested investors or tenants to get in touch.

The letter also advertises $200 rewards for referrals.

“We have had no problems with the tenant. She is really great and has been there for quite some time,” Ms Hickson told the Herald Sun.

“The letter is just to let the neighbourhood know we are now the managing agent, so they know what’s going on. Hardly any agencies do them (the letter) ... it’s just something we do when we take over a file,” she said.

Ms Hickson set up the solo-run agency in February, and claims to manage fewer than 50 properties.

She previously worked as a senior property manager at various real estate agencies.

Tenants Victoria was contacted for comment.

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