SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (Dakota News Now) – Landlords, tenants and HOA members are increasingly receiving complaints about missed rent payments, unpaid utility bills and other concerns with a property management company.
The company, JL Property Management, LLC, has also had its accreditation with the Better Business Bureau suspended pending review.
It was trash day for the residents of Whispering Ridge South. As cans dotted the edge of a driveway in what I thought was a quiet neighborhood in south Sioux Falls, I heard a rumbling behind a closed door.
“This is an emergency board meeting, citations or no citations,” Misial Mulaloni said.
Mulaloni is a member of the HOA and found evidence that funds may have been mishandled at JL Property Management. Mulaloni credits the HOA board for being vigilant.
“They realized the situation pretty early on and shut it down as soon as they found out what was going on,” Mulaloni said.
The Dakota News Now newsroom receives calls and messages from concerned tenants, landlords, property owners and HOA members.
“Property management companies are made up of a lot of people, but it appears there was just one bad guy involved,” Mullaroni said.
Tenants say they are paying rent but no credit has been credited to their accounts. HOA members are finding their utility bills unpaid.
“Sanitation services and lawn care are also important. Things like our road maintenance and sidewalks are not under the city’s control,” Mulaloni said.
JlL Property Management has been established for about two years, according to Secretary of State records. Approved signature is signed by Josh Utterback.
Dakota News Now reached out to Utterback but did not immediately receive a response.
“JL Property Nanagement, LLC recently became aware of irregular activity by a former member of the company. We have notified the appropriate authorities,” said Larry Leutke, a spokesperson for JL Property.
Sioux Falls Police are still gathering details. Officer Sam Clemens said: “An open investigation is underway. No charges or arrests have been made at this time.”
One HOA president told us that his group of 21 units was facing a funding shortfall of about $100,000. As awareness increases, the amount will likely increase.
“There’s a sense that you trust a company and that trust is being violated. But at the same time, you think it’s going to be okay, it’s going to be okay,” Mulaloni said.
Lutke said the company’s last day of operation is Thursday and that he has personally contacted the water department and other utility companies to hope the facility will not be disconnected.
On the other hand, HOAs are aware that some utility companies will not forward your bill unless you are an individual or a corporation. HOAs are neither of those things.
If you have tips or information that police need to know as they investigate, call the non-emergency number at 605-367-7212.
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