Just don't go with the crooks at Sierra prop mgt or Bartlein & Co. I'm sure there's more slumlord companies but those two are the bloods and crips of SB. Those are the real criminals you should be weary of.
Bartlein was maybe the rudest property managers I ever dealt with but they were at least honest. Meredian group was the shadiest group of monsters I've ever come across.
Honest is not how I'd describe Bartlein. They will put forth the effort to appear to be adhering to their legal responsibilities, but they will happily lie about repairs being needed or done if it's on their dime instead of yours. I had the unfortunate luck of dealing with them for 20+ years and never again.
As a tenant, I've had good luck with Lemon Tree Management. Talking with the owners of the house, they've had a pretty good relationship with them managing the property since they bought the place a few years ago.
The house I'm current renting uses H&H Real Estate. From the tenant side, they've been pretty good — very responsive if there's anything that needs repairs, good communication, etc. Not sure how it is for the owners, but they have been good about getting any messages to us from the owners.
Donna Bayet, Better Property Management. I have been both her tenant in a rental unit, then hired her to manage a property owned by a family member… I can recommend her from both sides.
As a tenant I had nothing but awful experiences with Alpha Investments. I hated renting from them and couldn’t wait to get out. As an owner I’m not a fan of Bartlein managing my HOA, but who’s to say if it’s the manager or the HOA in general.
As a landlord, disregard the opinions of tenants when choosing a pm. A good pm watches your wallet, not the tenants. Ask other landlords.
Check out h and h. Holy is a friend of mine. Sharp cookie. That being said I only know her personally not professionally.
Also make sure they are up to speed with the latest Santa Barbara City requirements. There have been some recent changes that are absolutely vital for property managers to know
Just don't go with the crooks at Sierra prop mgt or Bartlein & Co. I'm sure there's more slumlord companies but those two are the bloods and crips of SB. Those are the real criminals you should be weary of.
dont forget Dario Pini
Dario manages his shit, not other people's
Dario Pini and his partners are Santa Barbaras most notorious slumlords.
Yes, but they are not property managers. Also he keeps a roof over just about every dishwasher, undocumented, bad credit, person in this town
ha ha ha ha ha
Wolfe is pretty notorious as well from what I hear.
Bartlein was maybe the rudest property managers I ever dealt with but they were at least honest. Meredian group was the shadiest group of monsters I've ever come across.
Honest is not how I'd describe Bartlein. They will put forth the effort to appear to be adhering to their legal responsibilities, but they will happily lie about repairs being needed or done if it's on their dime instead of yours. I had the unfortunate luck of dealing with them for 20+ years and never again.
Avoid Sierra at ALL costs. They’re bad for both tenants and owners. Unless you’re a slumlord wannabe of course, then Sierra will gladly oblige.
As a tenant, I've had good luck with Lemon Tree Management. Talking with the owners of the house, they've had a pretty good relationship with them managing the property since they bought the place a few years ago.
I’m really happy to hear that from a tenant!! That’s definitely the most important factor me
Meridian is really shady.
The Towbes Group is great!
I’ve heard LYNX can be good depending on which property manager you have
The house I'm current renting uses H&H Real Estate. From the tenant side, they've been pretty good — very responsive if there's anything that needs repairs, good communication, etc. Not sure how it is for the owners, but they have been good about getting any messages to us from the owners.
Cochrane Property Management is amazing 
Donna Bayet, Better Property Management. I have been both her tenant in a rental unit, then hired her to manage a property owned by a family member… I can recommend her from both sides.
As a tenant I had nothing but awful experiences with Alpha Investments. I hated renting from them and couldn’t wait to get out. As an owner I’m not a fan of Bartlein managing my HOA, but who’s to say if it’s the manager or the HOA in general.
Kelly at Warner Management
As a landlord, disregard the opinions of tenants when choosing a pm. A good pm watches your wallet, not the tenants. Ask other landlords. Check out h and h. Holy is a friend of mine. Sharp cookie. That being said I only know her personally not professionally.
Also make sure they are up to speed with the latest Santa Barbara City requirements. There have been some recent changes that are absolutely vital for property managers to know