Guerry Art Realty: What to Know About This South Carolina Property Management Company
Who Guerry Art Realty is and what they manage
Guerry Art Realty is a property management company based in South Carolina that handles residential and commercial properties across the state. The company manages rental properties, handles tenant relations, and oversees day-to-day operations for property owners who prefer to outsource those responsibilities.
If you own rental property in South Carolina and are looking into hiring a management company, or if you are a tenant renting from a property managed by Guerry Art Realty, understanding how the company operates and what services they provide can help you know what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- Guerry Art Realty manages residential and commercial properties throughout South Carolina for property owners seeking professional management services.
- Property management companies like Guerry Art Realty typically handle tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement.
- Owners considering hiring a property manager should understand what services are included, what fees apply, and how communication works.
- Tenants renting from a managed property should know how to submit maintenance requests and who to contact with lease questions or disputes.
What property management companies do in South Carolina
Property management companies in South Carolina take on the day-to-day work of running rental properties so owners do not have to. This includes finding and screening tenants, collecting rent, handling maintenance and repairs, managing tenant complaints, enforcing lease terms, and handling evictions if necessary. They also keep records, handle tax documentation, and often manage the property's budget.
The specific services vary by company and by the agreement between the owner and the management firm. Some companies handle only rent collection and basic tenant communication, while others provide full-service management including property inspections, capital improvements, and financial reporting. Before signing with any management company, property owners should ask exactly which tasks are included and which cost extra.
How to contact Guerry Art Realty
If you own property managed by Guerry Art Realty or are a tenant in one of their managed properties, you will need to know how to reach them. Contact information, office hours, and the process for submitting requests or complaints should be in your lease or in the welcome materials provided when you signed on.
Tenants typically contact their property manager through a phone number, email address, or online portal listed in the lease. Owners usually have a dedicated account manager or office contact. If you cannot find contact details in your lease or initial paperwork, check any bills or statements you receive from the company—those often include phone numbers and websites.
Maintenance requests and repairs
When something breaks or needs repair in a rental property, the process for reporting it depends on how the management company handles maintenance. Most companies have a specific method for submitting requests—either through a phone line, email, online form, or tenant portal. Using the official channel ensures your request is documented and tracked.
South Carolina law requires landlords to maintain rental properties in habitable condition, which includes working plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. If you submit a maintenance request and the issue is not addressed within a reasonable time, you may have legal options. Document when you reported the problem and follow up in writing if the initial request does not result in action.
Rent payment and lease enforcement
Property management companies collect rent on behalf of the owner and enforce the terms of the lease. This means they track late payments, issue notices when rent is overdue, and may initiate eviction proceedings if a tenant falls significantly behind. The lease agreement spells out the rent amount, due date, late fees, and what happens if rent is not paid on time.
If you are a tenant, make sure you understand your lease terms before signing. If you are an owner, discuss with your management company how they handle late rent, what notice they give before taking legal action, and whether they offer any flexibility for tenants facing temporary hardship. Different companies have different policies, and these conversations should happen before you hire them.
Fees and what they cover
Property management companies charge fees for their services, and these vary widely. Some charge a percentage of monthly rent collected (often between 8 and 12 percent), while others charge a flat monthly fee. Many also charge additional fees for specific tasks like lease renewal, eviction proceedings, or emergency repairs outside normal business hours.
Before hiring a management company, ask for a detailed breakdown of all fees—not just the base management fee, but also what extra costs you might face. Some companies bundle services into one price, while others charge separately for each task. Understanding the full cost structure helps you compare companies fairly and avoid surprise charges later.
Tenant rights and dispute resolution
South Carolina tenants have legal rights regarding privacy, habitability, and fair treatment, regardless of whether a property is self-managed or handled by a company. A property manager must follow state law on notice periods before entering a rental unit, must maintain the property to code, and cannot retaliate against a tenant for reporting violations or asserting legal rights.
If you have a dispute with a property manager or owner, start by putting your concern in writing and sending it to the management company's office. Keep copies of all correspondence. If the issue is not resolved, you may contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or seek legal counsel. Many disputes can be resolved through communication, but knowing your rights protects you if they cannot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my property is managed by Guerry Art Realty?
Check your lease, rent payment instructions, or any official correspondence from your landlord. The management company's name and contact information should appear on these documents. If you are unsure, contact your landlord directly and ask who manages the property.
What should I do if my maintenance request is ignored?
First, submit the request again in writing (email or certified mail) and keep a copy. If the issue is urgent and affects habitability—no heat in winter, no water, electrical hazard—contact the management company by phone and follow up in writing the same day. Document everything. If the problem persists, you may contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or consult a tenant rights organization.
Can a property manager evict me without going to court?
No. In South Carolina, eviction requires a court process. The property manager or owner must file in magistrate court, serve you with notice, and obtain a judgment from a judge. You have the right to appear in court and present your side. Self-help eviction—changing locks or removing your belongings—is illegal.
What happens if I disagree with a fee the management company charged?
Review your lease and the fee schedule you received when you hired the company. If the charge does not match what was agreed, contact the company in writing and ask for an explanation. If you believe the fee is improper or unauthorized, you may dispute it through your bank or credit card company, or consult an attorney about your options.
How often can a property manager enter my rental unit?
South Carolina law requires landlords to give at least 24 hours' notice before entering a rental property, except in emergencies like fire, flood, or gas leak. Entry must be for a legitimate reason—repairs, inspections, showing the property to prospective tenants. The property manager must follow these rules just as an owner would.