How Integrity Management Systems Work in South Carolina Property Management

What Integrity Management Systems Do

Integrity Management Systems is a property management company that handles rental properties across South Carolina. The company collects rent, maintains properties, screens tenants, and handles lease enforcement on behalf of property owners. If you own rental property in South Carolina or are a tenant in a building managed by Integrity, understanding how the company operates helps you know what to expect and who to contact when issues arise.

Integrity Management Systems operates as a third party between landlords and tenants. The landlord hires the company to manage day-to-day operations; tenants pay rent to Integrity and submit maintenance requests through Integrity's systems. The company keeps a portion of collected rent as a management fee and sends the remainder to the property owner.

Key Takeaways

• Integrity Management Systems collects rent, screens tenants, and handles maintenance requests for rental properties across South Carolina.
• Tenants pay rent directly to Integrity and submit maintenance requests through the company's online portal or phone line.
• Property owners pay Integrity a management fee, typically a percentage of monthly rent collected, in exchange for handling tenant relations and property upkeep.
• South Carolina law requires property managers to maintain security deposits in separate accounts and return them within 30 days of lease end, with an itemized list of any deductions.

How Rent Payment and Tenant Screening Work

Tenants managed by Integrity pay rent through the company's online portal, by phone, or by mail to a designated address. Integrity processes the payment, records it in the tenant's account, and forwards the funds to the property owner after deducting the management fee. Late fees and other charges are applied according to the lease agreement and South Carolina law.

Before a tenant moves in, Integrity typically runs a background check, credit report, and rental history review. The company uses these reports to assess whether a prospective tenant meets the landlord's criteria. Specific screening standards vary by property and owner, but South Carolina law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status. Integrity must follow fair housing rules in all screening decisions.

Maintenance Requests and Property Upkeep

Tenants submit maintenance requests through Integrity's online portal, by phone, or in writing. The company logs the request, assigns it a ticket number, and schedules a contractor or maintenance worker to address the issue. Routine repairs—leaking faucets, broken appliances, heating and cooling problems—are typically handled within a few business days, though emergency repairs like no heat in winter may be prioritized faster.

South Carolina law requires landlords to maintain rental properties in habitable condition, including working plumbing, electrical systems, and heating. Integrity, acting on behalf of the landlord, is responsible for ensuring these repairs happen. If a repair is not addressed within a reasonable timeframe, tenants may have the right to withhold rent, repair and deduct, or break the lease under South Carolina law—so Integrity has a financial incentive to respond promptly.

Security Deposits and Move-Out Procedures

When a tenant moves out, Integrity handles the final walkthrough, inspects the unit, and determines what deductions, if any, will be made from the security deposit. South Carolina law requires that security deposits be held in a separate account and returned within 30 days of lease termination. If deductions are made, Integrity must provide an itemized list explaining each charge—for example, carpet cleaning, wall repairs, or unpaid rent.

Tenants who disagree with deductions can dispute them in writing. Integrity must respond to disputes and provide documentation of the charges claimed. If a tenant believes Integrity wrongfully withheld deposit funds, the tenant may file a claim in small claims court or pursue other legal remedies under South Carolina law.

Lease Enforcement and Eviction

If a tenant violates the lease—by not paying rent, causing damage beyond normal wear, or breaking other lease terms—Integrity may initiate enforcement action on behalf of the property owner. This typically begins with a notice to cure or quit, giving the tenant a set number of days to fix the violation or vacate. If the tenant does not comply, Integrity may file for eviction in magistrate court.

South Carolina eviction law requires specific notice periods and court procedures. Integrity must follow these steps exactly; failure to do so can result in a dismissed case. Tenants have the right to appear in court and defend themselves. If the court rules in favor of the landlord, the tenant is ordered to vacate, and a sheriff enforces the eviction if the tenant does not leave voluntarily.

Contacting Integrity Management Systems

Tenants and property owners can reach Integrity through the company's website, phone line, or in-person office. The company maintains local offices in several South Carolina cities. Tenants should keep records of all communications—emails, phone calls, maintenance requests—in case disputes arise later. Property owners can log into an online portal to view rent collected, maintenance expenses, tenant information, and other account details.

If you have a complaint about Integrity's handling of your property or lease, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DHEC) or the South Carolina Attorney General's office. These agencies investigate violations of property management law and fair housing rules.

Your Rights as a Tenant or Owner Under South Carolina Law

South Carolina law gives tenants specific rights regardless of who manages the property. Tenants have the right to a habitable unit, the right to privacy (landlords must give notice before entering), the right to withhold rent if major repairs are not made, and the right to break a lease if the unit becomes uninhabitable. Tenants also have the right to organize and join tenant associations.

Property owners have the right to collect rent, enforce lease terms, and evict tenants who violate the lease. However, owners cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights—for example, by raising rent or threatening eviction after a tenant requests repairs or files a complaint. Integrity, as the owner's agent, must follow these same rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if Integrity doesn't respond to my maintenance request?

Document the date you submitted the request and keep a copy of the ticket number. Follow up by phone or email after five business days. If the issue is urgent—no heat, no water, a safety hazard—contact Integrity immediately and request emergency service. If Integrity continues to ignore the request, you may contact the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to file a complaint about the property manager.

Can Integrity charge me for normal wear and tear when I move out?

No. South Carolina law distinguishes between normal wear and tear and damage caused by the tenant. Normal wear—faded paint, worn carpet, small nail holes—cannot be deducted from the security deposit. Damage beyond normal use—large holes, broken fixtures, stains—can be charged. Integrity must provide an itemized list showing what was deducted and why.

How long does Integrity have to return my security deposit?

South Carolina law requires the deposit to be returned within 30 days of lease termination. If deductions are made, Integrity must include an itemized list of charges. If the deposit is not returned within 30 days without a valid reason, you may pursue a claim in small claims court.

What happens if I disagree with an eviction notice from Integrity?

You have the right to appear in magistrate court and present your side. Bring documentation—proof of payment, lease agreement, any written communication with Integrity. If you believe the eviction is retaliatory or violates fair housing law, tell the judge. You can also contact a legal aid organization or attorney for help.

How do I file a complaint about Integrity Management Systems?

You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or the South Carolina Attorney General's office. Include details about the issue, dates, and any documentation. These agencies investigate violations of property management law and fair housing rules.