What Empire Property Management Group Does and How to Work With Them
Empire Property Management Group handles residential and commercial properties across South Carolina
Empire Property Management Group is a South Carolina-based company that manages rental properties for owners and landlords. They handle day-to-day operations like tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement. If you own rental property in South Carolina or are a tenant renting from an owner who uses Empire, understanding what they do and how to contact them can help you navigate your rental situation.
The company operates across multiple counties in South Carolina, managing both single-family homes and multi-unit residential buildings, as well as commercial spaces. Their services are designed to take the operational burden off property owners while maintaining the property and collecting rent from tenants.
Key Takeaways
- Empire Property Management Group manages residential and commercial properties throughout South Carolina on behalf of property owners.
- They handle tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance requests, and lease enforcement as part of their standard services.
- If you rent from an owner using Empire, your lease and rent payment instructions will specify how to contact them.
- Tenants should keep records of all communication with Empire, including maintenance requests and payment confirmations.
- Property owners considering Empire should ask about their fee structure, which typically includes a percentage of monthly rent collected.
Services Empire provides to property owners
Empire Property Management Group takes on the responsibilities that come with owning rental property. They screen potential tenants, which includes background checks, credit reports, and rental history verification. Once a tenant moves in, Empire collects rent, handles late payments, and manages the eviction process if necessary.
Maintenance and repairs fall under their scope as well. When a tenant reports a broken appliance, plumbing issue, or other problem, Empire coordinates with contractors and vendors. They keep records of all maintenance work and can help owners track property condition over time. They also handle lease renewals and move-out inspections when tenants leave.
For owners managing multiple properties or those who prefer not to deal directly with tenants, this hands-off approach can simplify ownership. Empire's role is to be the day-to-day contact point between owner and tenant, handling disputes and routine decisions without requiring the owner's involvement in every issue.
How to contact Empire if you are a tenant
If you rent a property managed by Empire, your lease agreement and move-in documents should list their contact information. This typically includes a phone number, mailing address, and sometimes an online portal or email address for submitting rent payments and maintenance requests.
When you have a maintenance issue, most property management companies prefer you to submit requests through their official channels—whether that is a phone line, online form, or email. Keeping a record of when you submitted the request and what response you received protects you if the issue is not addressed promptly. Take photos or videos of any damage or problems before reporting them.
Rent payments should go to the address or account specified in your lease. If you are unsure where to send payment or have questions about your lease terms, contact Empire directly using the information in your lease documents.
Understanding property management fees and costs
Property management companies charge owners a fee for their services, typically a percentage of the monthly rent collected—often between 8 and 12 percent, though this varies by company and property type. Some companies also charge additional fees for specific services like evictions, lease violations, or major maintenance coordination.
As a tenant, you do not pay Empire directly for their management services. Your rent goes to the property owner (through Empire), and the owner pays Empire's fee from that rent. However, your lease may include other costs like maintenance fees, late fees, or utilities that are separate from rent and management fees.
If you own property and are considering Empire, ask for a detailed fee schedule before signing a contract. Understanding what is included in their base fee and what costs extra helps you compare them to other management companies.
Tenant rights and responsibilities when dealing with property management
South Carolina law gives tenants specific rights regardless of whether their property is managed by a company or the owner directly. Your landlord (or their property manager) must provide a habitable living space, make necessary repairs within a reasonable time, and respect your right to quiet enjoyment of the property. They cannot enter your home without notice except in emergencies.
As a tenant, you are responsible for paying rent on time, following lease terms, and maintaining the property in reasonable condition. If you have a dispute with Empire over maintenance, repairs, or lease enforcement, document everything—dates, times, what was said, and any written communication. South Carolina's Residential Tenancies Act outlines both landlord and tenant obligations, and you can review it if you need to understand your rights in a specific situation.
If Empire or the property owner violates your rights—for example, by failing to make necessary repairs or entering without notice—you have options including filing a complaint with your local housing authority or seeking legal counsel.
How to learn about a property is managed by Empire
If you are considering renting a property and want to know who manages it, ask the listing agent or the person showing you the home. They should tell you whether the property is owner-managed or handled by a management company, and if so, which one.
Once you sign a lease, all your official communication about the property—rent payments, maintenance requests, lease questions—should go through the contact information listed in your lease. If you receive conflicting instructions from different people, go with what your signed lease says.
If you already rent from Empire and have questions about your lease or the property, your lease documents are your first reference. They contain the company's contact information and outline what services are included in your rental arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay rent to Empire Property Management Group?
Your lease will specify where and how to send rent payments—usually a mailing address, online portal, or bank account. Follow those instructions exactly. Keep proof of payment, such as a cancelled check, receipt, or online confirmation. If you are unsure where to send payment, contact Empire using the phone number or email in your lease.
What should I do if Empire does not respond to my maintenance request?
South Carolina law requires landlords to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time. If Empire does not respond, send a written request (email or certified mail) documenting the problem and when you first reported it. Keep copies. If the issue is urgent and affects your health or safety, you may have the right to make the repair and deduct the cost from rent, but check South Carolina's Residential Tenancies Act or consult a local legal aid office first.
Can Empire raise my rent whenever they want?
Rent increases are governed by your lease terms. If you are in the middle of a lease, Empire cannot raise rent until the lease ends. When your lease renews, they can propose a new rent amount, but you have the option to negotiate or move. South Carolina does not cap rent increases, so the amount can vary significantly.
What happens if I have a dispute with Empire over my security deposit?
South Carolina law requires landlords to return security deposits within 30 days of move-out, minus any deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Empire must provide an itemized list of deductions. If you disagree with the deductions, send a written dispute to Empire. If they do not respond satisfactorily, you can file a small claims court case or contact your local legal aid office.
How do I know if Empire is licensed to manage property in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not require property managers to be licensed, so Empire does not need a state license to operate. However, you can research the company through the Better Business Bureau, online reviews, and by asking for references from other tenants or property owners. Check your lease to confirm Empire's legal business name and address.