What to Know About Due South Property Management in South Carolina

Due South Property Management handles residential and commercial properties across South Carolina

Due South Property Management is a South Carolina-based company that manages rental properties for owners and landlords throughout the state. The firm handles day-to-day operations for both residential and commercial properties, meaning they collect rent, handle maintenance requests, manage tenant relations, and handle lease enforcement on behalf of property owners who hire them.

If you own rental property in South Carolina and are considering hiring a management company, or if you are a tenant dealing with a property managed by Due South, understanding what the company does and how to contact them can help you navigate your situation more effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Due South Property Management operates across South Carolina and manages both residential apartments and commercial spaces for property owners.
• The company handles rent collection, maintenance coordination, tenant screening, and lease enforcement as part of their standard services.
• Property owners typically pay Due South a percentage of monthly rent collected, though the exact fee structure varies by property type and location.
• Tenants should contact Due South directly through their office if they have maintenance issues, rent questions, or lease-related concerns rather than going through the property owner.
• South Carolina's property management industry is regulated by state law, and management companies must follow landlord-tenant statutes when handling disputes or evictions.

Services Due South Property Management typically provides

Property management companies in South Carolina generally offer a core set of services. Due South handles rent collection and accounting, meaning they receive tenant payments and maintain records for the property owner. They also coordinate maintenance and repairs—when a tenant reports a broken appliance or plumbing issue, the management company arranges for a contractor and tracks the cost.

Tenant screening is another standard service. Before a lease begins, Due South reviews applications, checks credit and rental history, and verifies income to help property owners decide whether to accept a tenant. Once a tenant is in place, the company handles lease enforcement, which includes issuing notices for late rent, coordinating with attorneys if eviction becomes necessary, and managing move-out inspections.

Many management companies also handle property marketing and showing vacant units to prospective tenants. Some offer additional services like HOA coordination, utility management, or specialized handling for properties with specific needs.

How property owners pay for management services

Due South Property Management, like most firms in the industry, charges property owners a fee based on the rental income the property generates. This is typically a percentage of the monthly rent collected—often between 8 and 12 percent, though the exact rate depends on the property type, location, and services included. A property generating $1,500 per month in rent might cost the owner $120 to $180 monthly in management fees.

Some management companies charge additional fees for specific services—for example, a fee to process a new lease, a charge for emergency after-hours maintenance calls, or a cost to handle an eviction. Before hiring Due South or any management company, property owners should ask for a written fee schedule that spells out all costs.

How to contact Due South Property Management

Due South Property Management maintains an office in South Carolina where property owners and tenants can reach them. The most direct approach is to search for their current contact information through the South Carolina Secretary of State's business database or through a web search, as office locations and phone numbers can change.

If you are a tenant and need to report a maintenance issue, ask about rent payment, or discuss a lease question, contact the management company's office directly rather than the property owner. Management companies typically have a maintenance request line or online portal where tenants can submit issues. Keep records of all communications—dates, times, names of staff members, and what was discussed—in case a dispute arises later.

If you are a property owner considering hiring Due South, request a consultation where you can discuss your specific property, ask about their fee structure, and understand what services are included in their standard package.

South Carolina landlord-tenant law and property management

Property management companies in South Carolina must follow the state's landlord-tenant statutes, which are found in South Carolina Code Title 27, Chapter 40. These laws govern how management companies can handle rent collection, security deposits, maintenance obligations, and evictions. For example, security deposits must be held in a separate account and returned within 30 days of move-out, with an itemized list of any deductions.

If a tenant believes a management company has violated state law—for instance, by failing to make necessary repairs or by improperly withholding a security deposit—the tenant can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or pursue a civil claim in small claims court or circuit court depending on the amount in dispute.

Property owners should also understand that hiring a management company does not eliminate their legal responsibility for the property. Owners remain liable for code violations, discrimination claims, and other legal issues, even when a management company is handling day-to-day operations.

When to hire a property management company versus self-managing

Some property owners in South Carolina choose to manage their rental properties themselves, while others hire a company like Due South. Self-managing saves the management fee but requires the owner to handle rent collection, maintenance coordination, tenant screening, and legal compliance personally. This approach works for owners with one or two properties and time to dedicate to the work.

Hiring a management company makes sense for owners with multiple properties, properties in different cities, or owners who lack time or experience to handle tenant relations and maintenance. A management company also provides a buffer between owner and tenant, which can reduce conflict and help enforce lease terms more consistently.

The decision depends on your situation. Calculate whether the management fee is worth the time and stress you would save, and consider whether you have the knowledge to handle South Carolina's landlord-tenant laws correctly.

Red flags and questions to ask before hiring

Before signing a contract with any property management company, ask specific questions about their experience, their fee structure, and how they handle common situations. Ask how they screen tenants, what their average vacancy rate is, how they handle emergency maintenance calls, and what happens if a tenant stops paying rent.

Request references from current property owners they manage for, and contact those owners to ask about their experience. Ask whether the company is bonded and insured, and verify that they are registered with the South Carolina Secretary of State if required by law.

Be cautious of companies that promise unusually high rental income, may provide tenants will never miss rent, or charge unusually low fees—these can be signs of inexperience or corner-cutting. A reputable company will be transparent about what they can and cannot do, and will provide a detailed written agreement spelling out all terms and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Document the date and method of your request, and follow up in writing—email or certified mail—so you have proof of contact. If the issue is urgent and affects your health or safety (no heat in winter, no water, broken locks), you may have the right under South Carolina law to repair the problem yourself and deduct the cost from rent, but only after giving proper notice. Contact a local legal aid organization or tenant rights group for guidance on your specific situation.

Can a property management company evict a tenant without going to court?

No. In South Carolina, eviction must go through the court system. A management company can issue a notice to vacate and file an eviction case in magistrate's court, but only a court order allows the sheriff to physically remove a tenant. The process typically takes several weeks, and tenants have the right to respond in court.

What happens to my security deposit when a property management company handles it?

South Carolina law requires that security deposits be held in a separate account, not mixed with the management company's operating funds. Within 30 days of move-out, the company must return the deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, or cleaning costs. If you disagree with deductions, you can dispute them in small claims court.

How do I know if a property management company is licensed or regulated in South Carolina?

Property management companies in South Carolina are not required to hold a specific license, but they must comply with state landlord-tenant law and may need to register with the Secretary of State depending on their business structure. You can verify a company's business registration through the South Carolina Secretary of State website. If you have concerns about a company's practices, you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

What is the typical contract length when hiring a property management company?

Contract lengths vary, but many management companies require a one-year agreement with automatic renewal unless either party gives notice. Some offer month-to-month arrangements, though these may come with higher fees. Always read the termination clause carefully—understand how much notice you must give to end the contract and whether there are early termination fees.