What Above Property Management Offers South Carolina Landlords and Tenants

Above Property Management handles rental properties across South Carolina with services that range from tenant screening to maintenance coordination

Above Property Management is a property management company operating in South Carolina that works with residential landlords to oversee day-to-day rental operations. The company handles tasks like finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, managing maintenance requests, and handling lease enforcement. If you own rental property in South Carolina or are a tenant dealing with a management company, understanding what Above Property Management does and how to contact them can help you navigate your rental situation.

Property management companies in South Carolina operate under state law and must follow specific rules about security deposits, lease terms, and tenant communication. Above Property Management, like other firms in the state, is responsible for maintaining properties to habitability standards and responding to tenant concerns within required timeframes.

Key Takeaways

• Above Property Management provides full-service property management for residential landlords, including tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance coordination.
• South Carolina law requires property managers to handle security deposits according to specific rules, including interest accrual and return timelines.
• Tenants can contact a property manager directly about maintenance issues, lease violations, or disputes, and should keep records of all communication.
• If you have a complaint about Above Property Management's practices, South Carolina's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation oversees property manager conduct.

Services Above Property Management typically provides

Property management companies in South Carolina generally offer a core set of services to landlords. Above Property Management likely handles tenant screening (background checks, credit reports, rental history verification), rent collection and accounting, lease enforcement, maintenance request coordination, and property inspections. Some management companies also handle eviction proceedings, though this varies by firm.

The specific services included depend on the management agreement between the landlord and the company. A landlord might hire Above Property Management to handle everything, or only certain tasks like rent collection. Tenants typically interact with the management company through rent payment systems, maintenance request portals, and lease-related communications.

How to contact Above Property Management

If you need to reach Above Property Management, start by checking your lease or any documents you received when your tenancy began—these usually list the management company's phone number, mailing address, and online portal information. Many property management companies operate tenant portals where you can submit maintenance requests, view lease documents, and sometimes pay rent online.

For urgent maintenance issues (water leaks, heating failure, electrical problems), call the number listed in your lease or on the company's website. South Carolina law requires property managers to respond to maintenance requests within a reasonable timeframe, and emergency issues must be addressed more quickly than routine repairs. If you cannot reach the company by phone, send a written request by email or certified mail and keep a copy for your records.

Security deposit rules that apply to Above Property Management

South Carolina law sets strict rules for how property managers must handle security deposits. Deposits must be held in a separate account (not mixed with the landlord's operating funds), and the account must earn interest at the rate paid by the bank. When a tenancy ends, the property manager must return the deposit plus accrued interest within 30 days, along with an itemized list of any deductions for damage or unpaid rent.

If Above Property Management deducts money from your security deposit, they must provide a written explanation of each deduction. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted—only damage beyond ordinary use. If you disagree with deductions, you can dispute them in writing. Keep photos of the property's condition when you move in and when you move out to document its state.

Maintenance responsibilities and tenant rights

South Carolina requires rental properties to meet habitability standards, meaning they must have working plumbing, heating, electricity, and a roof that does not leak. The property manager is responsible for ensuring these systems work and for responding to repair requests. If Above Property Management fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time, you may have the right to repair the problem yourself and deduct the cost from rent, or in some cases to break the lease.

When you report a maintenance issue, document the date and time you reported it, the method you used (phone, email, online portal), and what the problem is. Take photos or video of the issue. If the company does not respond within a reasonable timeframe (typically 14 days for non-emergency repairs, sooner for emergencies), send a follow-up request in writing and keep a copy. This documentation protects you if a dispute arises later.

What to do if you have a complaint about Above Property Management

If you believe Above Property Management has violated South Carolina law—such as failing to return a security deposit, not making necessary repairs, or violating lease terms unfairly—you have several options. First, try to resolve the issue directly with the company in writing, keeping copies of all correspondence. Many disputes can be settled through clear communication and documentation.

If direct contact does not resolve the problem, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC), which oversees property manager conduct. You can also consult with a tenant rights organization or attorney who handles landlord-tenant disputes. Small claims court is an option for disputes involving smaller amounts of money, such as disputed security deposit deductions.

Understanding your lease and property manager responsibilities

Your lease is the legal document that governs your tenancy and outlines what the property manager can and cannot do. South Carolina law requires leases to be in writing and to include certain information, such as the rent amount, lease term, and the landlord's or manager's contact information. Read your lease carefully before signing, and ask questions about anything unclear.

Property managers must follow the terms of the lease and cannot change lease terms unilaterally or enforce rules not in the lease. They also cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations, requesting repairs, or asserting legal rights. If you believe a property manager is retaliating against you—such as raising rent or threatening eviction after you reported a repair issue—document the timeline and contact a tenant rights organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Above Property Management have to return my security deposit?

South Carolina law requires property managers to return security deposits within 30 days of the tenancy ending. The return must include the full deposit plus accrued interest, minus any itemized deductions for damage or unpaid rent. If the company does not return your deposit within 30 days, send a written request and keep a copy. If still no response, you can pursue the matter in small claims court.

Can Above Property Management charge me for normal wear and tear?

No. South Carolina law prohibits deducting normal wear and tear from security deposits. Deductions are only allowed for damage beyond ordinary use, such as holes in walls, broken windows, or stains from accidents. Take photos of the property when you move in and move out to document its condition and dispute improper deductions.

What should I do if Above Property Management is not responding to my maintenance request?

Document your request with the date, time, and method (phone, email, or portal). If the issue is non-emergency, the company has up to 14 days to respond; emergencies require faster action. Send a follow-up written request if you do not hear back. Keep copies of all communication. If repairs are still not made, contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or consult a tenant rights organization.

Can Above Property Management evict me without going to court?

No. South Carolina requires property managers to follow formal eviction procedures through the court system. They cannot lock you out, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities. If eviction is being pursued, you will receive a notice and have the right to appear in court to defend yourself. Consult an attorney if you receive an eviction notice.

What is retaliation, and is it illegal?

Retaliation occurs when a property manager punishes you for asserting legal rights, such as reporting code violations or requesting repairs. South Carolina law prohibits retaliation, including rent increases, lease non-renewal, or eviction threats made in response to your complaints. If you believe you are being retaliated against, document the timeline and contact a tenant rights organization or attorney.