What Altman Real Estate Service Offers Property Owners in South Carolina

Altman Real Estate Service handles day-to-day property management for residential and commercial owners across South Carolina

Altman Real Estate Service is a property management company operating in South Carolina that takes on the landlord responsibilities most owners want to hand off—tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement. The company manages properties for individual owners and investors who either lack the time to manage tenants themselves or prefer to outsource the work to a dedicated firm.

The company operates as a for-profit business, not a government agency or nonprofit. Property owners pay Altman a fee (typically a percentage of monthly rent collected) in exchange for handling the operational side of owning rental property. Understanding what Altman does, what it costs, and whether it fits your situation helps you decide whether to use their services or manage your property yourself.

Key Takeaways

• Altman Real Estate Service collects rent, screens tenants, coordinates repairs, and handles lease enforcement for property owners in South Carolina.
• The company charges a management fee, usually calculated as a percentage of monthly rent collected, plus potential fees for specific services like leasing or maintenance coordination.
• Property owners remain legally responsible for their property and tenants even when using a management company, though Altman handles day-to-day decisions.
• You can contact Altman directly to discuss your specific property, get a fee quote, and learn whether they manage properties in your area.

What services Altman Real Estate Service typically provides

Property management companies like Altman handle a range of tasks that fall under the umbrella of keeping a rental property occupied and maintained. Tenant screening—running background checks, verifying income, and checking references—is one core service. Rent collection and accounting come next: the company collects payments from tenants, deposits them, and provides owners with statements showing what came in and what went out.

Maintenance coordination is another major function. When a tenant reports a leaky faucet or a broken window, Altman receives the request, arranges for a contractor to fix it, and processes the bill. The company also handles lease enforcement—sending late-rent notices, documenting lease violations, and coordinating with attorneys if eviction becomes necessary. Many companies also manage the leasing process itself, showing vacant units to prospective tenants and signing new leases.

The specific services Altman offers and the fees charged for each vary depending on the property type, location, and the owner's needs. Contacting the company directly with details about your property gives you a clear picture of what they would handle and what it would cost.

How Altman's fees are structured

Property management fees in South Carolina typically run between 8 and 12 percent of monthly rent collected, though the exact percentage depends on the company, the property type, and local market conditions. A property generating $1,200 in monthly rent might cost $96 to $144 per month to manage, for example. Some companies charge a flat monthly fee instead of a percentage, and some charge both a base fee plus a percentage.

Beyond the base management fee, property owners often encounter additional charges. Leasing fees (charged when a new tenant is placed) may be one month's rent or a flat amount. Maintenance coordination fees, eviction fees, and accounting or reporting fees are common add-ons. Some companies charge a fee to set up your account or to handle a property inspection. Ask Altman for a complete fee schedule before signing an agreement so you know what to expect.

The fee structure should be spelled out in writing in your property management agreement. That agreement also specifies what services are included in the base fee and which services cost extra.

How to contact Altman Real Estate Service

To learn whether Altman manages properties in your area and to discuss your specific situation, you will need to reach out to the company directly. Most property management companies have a website with contact information, phone numbers, and sometimes an online form to request information or schedule a consultation.

When you contact them, have details ready about your property: its location, the type of property (single-family home, duplex, apartment building), how many units, the current rent or expected rent, and whether the property is currently occupied or vacant. If you already have tenants, Altman may ask about lease terms and any ongoing issues. The more specific you are, the more accurate a fee quote and service description they can provide.

What remains your responsibility as the property owner

Using a property management company does not transfer legal responsibility for the property to the company. You remain the owner and the landlord in the eyes of the law. That means you are ultimately responsible for maintaining the property in a habitable condition, following fair housing laws, and ensuring the lease complies with South Carolina rental law.

Altman acts as your agent, making day-to-day decisions and handling routine tasks on your behalf. But major decisions—whether to evict, whether to make a large repair, whether to raise rent—typically require your approval. The property management agreement spells out which decisions Altman can make independently and which require your sign-off. You also remain liable if something goes wrong, so maintaining adequate landlord insurance is essential.

When property management makes sense for your situation

Property management is worth the cost if you own multiple properties, live far from your rental, lack time to handle tenant issues, or simply prefer not to deal with the landlord side of the business. It is also useful if you have had trouble collecting rent or managing difficult tenants in the past. The fee you pay Altman often saves you money in the long run by reducing vacancy, preventing costly eviction mistakes, and catching maintenance problems before they become expensive.

On the other hand, if you own a single property, live nearby, have reliable tenants, and enjoy handling the business side, managing it yourself may make more financial sense. The decision depends on your time, skills, and comfort level with tenant relations and property law.

Understanding your property management agreement

Before signing with Altman, read the property management agreement carefully. Key sections to understand include the fee structure (base fee, additional charges, when fees are due), the services included, how long the agreement lasts, and how either party can end it. The agreement should specify how often you receive financial reports, how maintenance requests are handled, and what happens if there is a dispute between you and the company.

Pay attention to clauses about liability and insurance. The agreement should clarify that Altman is acting as your agent, not as the property owner, and that you remain responsible for maintaining adequate insurance. If anything is unclear, ask Altman to explain it before you sign. A clear agreement prevents misunderstandings later and protects both you and the company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Altman Real Estate Service operate in my area of South Carolina?

Altman's service area varies. Some property management companies operate statewide, while others focus on specific regions or cities. Contact the company directly with your property's location to find out whether they manage properties in your area and whether they are currently taking new clients.

What happens if I want to stop using Altman's services?

Your property management agreement specifies how much notice you must give and whether there are any early termination fees. Most agreements allow you to end the relationship with 30 to 60 days' notice. When you leave, Altman should provide you with all tenant files, financial records, and a final accounting of money owed to you or by you.

Can Altman evict a tenant on my behalf?

Property management companies coordinate with attorneys to handle evictions, but they do not carry out evictions themselves. South Carolina law requires that evictions go through the court system. Altman would document the lease violation, send required notices, and work with a lawyer to file in court. You remain responsible for the legal process and any associated costs.

Will Altman handle major repairs or renovations?

Altman coordinates routine maintenance and repairs, but major renovations or capital improvements typically require your approval and decision-making. The company can get bids from contractors and present options to you, but you decide whether to proceed and which contractor to hire. Discuss your expectations about repair limits and approval processes when you first contact them.

How often will I receive financial reports from Altman?

Most property management companies provide monthly statements showing rent collected, expenses paid, and the balance owed to you or by you. Some provide online access to real-time account information. Confirm the reporting schedule and format when you sign your agreement so you know what to expect.