What ARA Realty & Property Management Does and How to Contact Them

ARA Realty & Property Management handles residential and commercial properties across South Carolina

ARA Realty & Property Management is a property management company operating in South Carolina that oversees both residential and commercial properties for owners. The company handles day-to-day operations, tenant relations, maintenance coordination, and rent collection on behalf of property owners who prefer not to manage these tasks themselves.

If you own rental property in South Carolina and are looking for a management company to take over those responsibilities, or if you are a tenant dealing with a property managed by ARA, understanding what the company does and how to reach them is the first step in any interaction.

Key Takeaways

• ARA Realty & Property Management manages both residential apartments and commercial spaces for property owners throughout South Carolina.
• The company typically handles rent collection, maintenance requests, tenant screening, and lease enforcement for the owners they represent.
• Property owners considering hiring ARA should ask about their fee structure, which services are included, and how they handle emergency repairs.
• Tenants renting from properties managed by ARA should know how to submit maintenance requests and who to contact for lease-related questions.
• Contacting ARA directly by phone or visiting their office is the most reliable way to discuss your specific property or rental situation.

Services ARA typically provides to property owners

Property management companies like ARA take on the operational side of owning rental property. This includes screening potential tenants, collecting rent each month, handling maintenance and repair requests, managing lease agreements, and handling tenant disputes or evictions when necessary. The owner pays a fee—usually a percentage of monthly rent collected—in exchange for not having to deal with these tasks directly.

For commercial properties, ARA may also handle tenant relations for multi-unit buildings, coordinate with vendors and contractors, manage utility accounts, and handle property inspections. The specific services vary depending on what the property owner contracts for and the type of property involved.

How to reach ARA Realty & Property Management

The most direct way to contact ARA is by phone or by visiting their office in person. You can also check their website or social media pages for current contact information, office hours, and details about the properties they manage. Having your property address or lease information ready when you call will help them locate your account quickly.

If you are a tenant with a maintenance emergency, ask your lease or any correspondence from ARA for their after-hours contact number. Many property management companies have an emergency line separate from their main office number for urgent repairs like water leaks or heating failures.

What property owners should know before hiring ARA

Before signing a management agreement with any property management company, ask about their fee structure. Some charge a flat monthly fee; others charge a percentage of rent collected. Ask whether that fee covers all services or if certain tasks—like evictions, major repairs, or tenant screening—cost extra.

Request references from other property owners they manage for, and ask how they handle emergency repairs and whether they have preferred contractors. Find out how often you will receive financial reports and how rent payments are processed. Understanding these details upfront prevents confusion later.

What tenants should know about properties managed by ARA

If you rent a property managed by ARA, your lease will specify how to submit maintenance requests and who to contact with questions. Most management companies have an online portal, phone line, or email address for tenant communications. Keep records of all maintenance requests you submit and when you submitted them.

If you have a dispute with ARA regarding your lease, rent, or maintenance issues, review your lease carefully first—it will outline the process for resolving disagreements. Many management companies require written notice before taking further action, so document everything in writing rather than relying on phone calls alone.

How property management fits into South Carolina's rental market

South Carolina has a mix of individual landlords and professional management companies. In cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, where rental demand is higher, many property owners use management companies to handle the complexity of multiple units or commercial spaces. Coastal properties and vacation rentals often require specialized management, while residential neighborhoods may have owner-managed properties alongside professionally managed ones.

Using a property management company means tenants typically deal with a professional organization rather than an individual landlord, which can mean clearer communication channels and more standardized lease enforcement. It also means the company has systems in place for maintenance coordination and rent collection, though the quality and responsiveness of those systems varies by company.

Questions to ask before working with ARA

Property owners should ask: What is your management fee and what does it cover? How do you screen tenants? How quickly do you respond to maintenance emergencies? Do you handle evictions, or do I need to hire an attorney? How often will I receive financial reports? What happens if a tenant stops paying rent?

Tenants should ask: How do I submit a maintenance request? What is the expected response time? Who do I contact if I have a lease question? Is there an after-hours emergency number? How is my security deposit handled when I move out?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a property management company like ARA?

Fees vary by company and property type. Most charge between 8 and 12 percent of monthly rent collected, though some charge flat monthly fees instead. Commercial properties and larger residential complexes may have different pricing. Contact ARA directly for their current rates.

What should I do if ARA is not responding to my maintenance request?

First, check your lease or any paperwork from ARA for their response time policy—most companies commit to responding within 24 to 48 hours. If you have not heard back within that window, call their office directly. Keep a record of when you submitted the request and when you followed up. For emergencies like no heat or water, call immediately rather than waiting.

Can a property owner switch management companies if they are unhappy with ARA?

Yes, but check your management agreement first—most require 30 to 60 days' notice before terminating the contract. The new company will typically handle the transition, including collecting outstanding rent and transferring tenant files. Plan the switch during a time that does not conflict with rent collection if possible.

What happens to my security deposit if my property is managed by ARA?

South Carolina law requires security deposits to be held in a separate account and returned within 30 days of move-out, minus any deductions for damage or unpaid rent. ARA should provide you with an itemized list of any deductions. If you disagree with the deductions, you can dispute them in writing—keep copies of all correspondence.

Do I need a property management company, or can I manage my rental myself?

That depends on your time, knowledge, and the complexity of your property. Managing yourself saves the management fee but requires you to handle tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and legal compliance. Many owners find the fee worth the time saved, especially if they own multiple properties or live far from their rental.