Skip to main content

What CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb Offers Property Owners in South Carolina

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb handles rental properties across South Carolina through a full-service property management model

CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb is a real estate brokerage and property management firm operating in South Carolina. The company manages residential and commercial rental properties for owners who want to hand off day-to-day tenant relations, maintenance coordination, and rent collection. They operate as part of the CENTURY 21 franchise network, which means they follow national standards while working within South Carolina's rental laws and local market conditions.

The firm's property management services include tenant screening, lease preparation, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and eviction handling when necessary. Owners typically use this service when they own property in South Carolina but live elsewhere, own multiple units and need centralized management, or prefer not to manage tenants directly. CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb charges a management fee—usually a percentage of monthly rent collected—plus any costs for repairs, maintenance, or legal proceedings.

Key Takeaways

  • CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb manages residential and commercial rental properties, handling tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and lease enforcement.
  • The company operates under CENTURY 21's national franchise system while working within South Carolina rental law and local market practices.
  • Property owners pay a management fee (typically a percentage of monthly rent) plus costs for repairs, maintenance, and legal services.
  • The firm's services are most useful for owners living out of state, managing multiple properties, or preferring not to handle tenant relations directly.
  • Owners should ask about the company's tenant screening process, maintenance response times, and how they handle rent collection and late payments.

What services CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb actually provides

The company's core services include tenant screening, which involves background checks, credit reports, and rental history verification before a lease begins. They prepare and enforce lease agreements, collect rent on a set schedule, and track payment history. When maintenance issues arise—a leaking roof, broken HVAC, plumbing problems—the property manager coordinates repairs, gets quotes from contractors, and ensures work meets South Carolina building codes.

CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb also handles the financial side: they deposit rent into an owner's account, provide monthly statements showing income and expenses, and manage security deposits according to South Carolina law. If a tenant stops paying or violates the lease, the company can initiate eviction proceedings through the local court system. They also handle routine tasks like showing vacant units to prospective tenants and advertising available properties.

The specific services and fees vary by property type and location. A single-family home in Charleston may have different management needs than a multi-unit building in Greenville or a commercial space in Columbia. Owners should ask the company directly what is included in their management fee and what costs are billed separately.

How to contact CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb

CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb operates through local offices across South Carolina. To reach the company, search for "CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb" plus your city or county name, or visit the national CENTURY 21 website and use their office locator tool. You can also contact your local real estate board or chamber of commerce for referrals to property management firms in your area.

When you call or visit, have your property details ready: the address, number of units, current rent amount, and any specific management concerns. The company can then discuss whether they manage properties in your area and what their fees and services would be for your situation.

What to ask before hiring a property manager

Before signing a management agreement, ask CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb about their tenant screening standards—specifically, what credit score, income level, and rental history they require. Ask how quickly they respond to maintenance emergencies and whether they use in-house contractors or bid out repairs. Find out how often you receive financial statements and whether you can view rent payments and expenses online in real time.

Ask what happens if a tenant stops paying rent: how quickly does the company pursue collection, and at what point do they file for eviction? Ask whether the management fee is fixed or changes based on occupancy, and whether there are additional charges for advertising, showing units, or handling turnover between tenants. Also ask about their experience managing properties similar to yours—single-family rentals, multi-unit buildings, or commercial space—in your specific area of South Carolina.

Request references from current clients if possible, and ask how long the company has been managing properties in your region. South Carolina's rental market varies significantly between the Lowcountry, the Midlands, and the Upstate, so local experience matters.

South Carolina rental law and property manager responsibilities

South Carolina property managers must follow state law on security deposits, lease terms, and eviction procedures. The state requires landlords to return security deposits within 30 days of a tenant moving out, minus any deductions for damage beyond normal wear. Managers must provide written notice of any deductions and itemize them. South Carolina also has specific rules about when rent is considered late, how much notice a landlord must give before eviction, and what grounds justify removing a tenant.

A property manager acting on your behalf is legally representing you, so they must follow these rules or you could face liability. Before hiring CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb or any management company, confirm they understand South Carolina's rental laws and have experience handling evictions through the state's court system. Ask whether they have had any complaints filed against them with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

When property management makes financial sense

Property management costs money—typically 8 to 12 percent of monthly rent, though rates vary. That cost is worth it if you own multiple properties, live out of state, or have tenants who frequently need maintenance or have payment issues. A property manager also saves you time: instead of fielding tenant calls at midnight about broken heat or chasing late rent payments yourself, the manager handles it. For owners with one or two properties and reliable tenants, self-management may be cheaper.

Consider the math: if you rent a property for $1,500 a month and pay a 10 percent management fee, that is $150 monthly or $1,800 yearly. If that property sits vacant for two months while you find a tenant, or if you spend 20 hours chasing a late payment, the manager's fee starts looking reasonable. CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb can provide a quote based on your specific property and situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb manage properties statewide or only in certain areas?

CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb operates through multiple offices across South Carolina, but not every office manages properties in every county. Contact the office nearest your property to find out whether they manage rentals in your area. Some CENTURY 21 franchises focus on sales rather than property management, so it is worth asking directly.

What happens if I want to stop using the property manager?

Property management agreements typically include a termination clause stating how much notice you must give and whether there are any fees for early termination. Review your contract carefully before signing. Most companies require 30 to 60 days' notice, and some charge a final fee. Ask about the termination terms before you hire them.

Can a property manager evict a tenant without my permission?

A property manager acts on your behalf, so they cannot file for eviction without your approval. However, your management agreement should specify what situations trigger an eviction discussion—usually non-payment of rent or serious lease violations. Ask CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb to explain their process for deciding when eviction is necessary and how they will communicate with you before taking that step.

Are property management fees tax deductible?

Property management fees are generally deductible as a business expense on your tax return, since they are a cost of operating a rental property. However, tax rules vary based on your situation, so consult a tax professional or accountant before claiming the deduction. Keep all invoices and statements from CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb for your records.

What if a tenant damages the property and refuses to pay for repairs?

The property manager can deduct repair costs from the tenant's security deposit, up to the full amount held. If damage exceeds the deposit, the manager can pursue the tenant in small claims court or include the cost in an eviction case. Ask CENTURY 21 Hawkins & Kolb how they document damage and what steps they take to recover costs beyond the security deposit amount.