Leonard Call & Associates: What to Know About This South Carolina Property Management Firm

Who Leonard Call & Associates Is and What They Do

Leonard Call & Associates is a property management company operating in South Carolina that handles residential and commercial properties on behalf of owners. The firm manages day-to-day operations for landlords and property owners—collecting rent, maintaining buildings, handling tenant issues, and managing repairs. If you own rental property in South Carolina or are considering hiring a management company, understanding what Leonard Call & Associates offers can help you decide whether they fit your needs.

Property management firms like Leonard Call & Associates sit between property owners and tenants, handling the administrative and operational work that comes with owning rental real estate. This includes tenant screening, lease enforcement, maintenance coordination, and financial reporting. The goal is to reduce the workload on owners while keeping properties occupied and well-maintained.

Key Takeaways

• Leonard Call & Associates manages residential and commercial properties across South Carolina, handling rent collection, maintenance, and tenant relations on behalf of owners.
• Property management companies charge fees—typically a percentage of monthly rent or a flat monthly rate—so you should understand their fee structure before signing a contract.
• A property manager's job includes tenant screening, lease enforcement, repair coordination, and financial reporting, which saves owners time but transfers some control to the management company.
• Before hiring any property manager, review their contract terms, ask about their experience with properties like yours, and check references from current clients.

What Services Property Managers Typically Provide

Property managers handle the operational side of rental ownership. This includes advertising vacant units, screening potential tenants, collecting rent, enforcing lease terms, coordinating repairs and maintenance, and keeping financial records. They also handle tenant complaints, arrange for inspections, and manage the relationship between owner and tenant.

In South Carolina, property managers must follow state landlord-tenant law, which covers security deposit handling, eviction procedures, and tenant rights. A competent property manager knows these rules and applies them consistently. They also typically carry liability insurance and may be bonded, which protects both the owner and tenants if something goes wrong.

Some property managers offer additional services like accounting, capital improvement planning, or specialized handling of commercial leases. The scope of services varies by company, so you should ask specifically what is included in their standard package and what costs extra.

How Property Management Fees Work

Property managers charge for their services, and the fee structure varies. Most charge either a percentage of monthly rent collected (often 8 to 12 percent for residential properties) or a flat monthly fee per unit. Some charge both a base fee plus a percentage. Additional services—like eviction handling, maintenance coordination, or accounting—may carry separate fees.

Before signing with any property manager, ask for a written fee schedule that breaks down what is included in the base fee and what costs extra. Ask whether they charge for tenant screening, lease renewal, or emergency repairs. Understanding the full cost picture prevents surprises later.

You should also ask how they handle money—whether they hold rent in a separate account, how quickly they pay you after collecting rent, and what happens if a tenant doesn't pay. South Carolina law requires property managers to handle tenant security deposits in a separate account and provide an accounting to tenants, so confirm they follow this requirement.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Property Manager

Start by asking how long they have been in business and how many properties they currently manage. Ask specifically about their experience with properties like yours—single-family homes, multifamily buildings, commercial space, or a mix. Request references from at least three current clients and actually contact them to ask about responsiveness, communication, and how disputes were handled.

Ask about their tenant screening process. Do they run credit checks, criminal background checks, and employment verification? What criteria do they use to approve or reject applicants? A thorough screening process protects your property and reduces problem tenancies.

Ask what happens when a tenant stops paying rent or violates the lease. Do they handle evictions in-house or refer them to an attorney? How quickly do they act? Ask about their maintenance and repair process—do they have preferred contractors, how do they handle emergency repairs, and do they get multiple bids for larger jobs?

Finally, ask about communication. How often will you hear from them? Can you access your account online to see rent collected, expenses, and tenant information? Will they respond to your calls and emails within a specific timeframe?

Understanding the Landlord-Tenant Relationship When You Hire a Manager

When you hire a property manager, you remain the legal owner and are ultimately responsible for the property. However, the manager acts as your agent in day-to-day dealings with tenants. This means tenants contact the manager first with complaints or requests, and the manager decides how to respond within the bounds of your lease and South Carolina law.

You should have a written management agreement that spells out what decisions the manager can make alone and which require your approval. For example, can they approve repairs up to a certain dollar amount without calling you? Can they negotiate lease renewals, or do you have to sign off? Can they evict a tenant, or do they need your authorization? These details matter because they affect how quickly problems get resolved.

South Carolina landlord-tenant law still applies to your property even when a manager is in place. The manager must follow the law, but you are ultimately liable if they don't. This is why checking their experience and asking for references is so important—you are trusting them to protect your legal standing as well as your property.

Red Flags and What to Avoid

Be cautious of property managers who cannot provide references, have been in business for only a few months, or seem unwilling to explain their fees and processes in writing. Avoid managers who want to hold tenant security deposits in their personal account rather than a separate trust account—South Carolina law requires a separate account, and mixing funds is a serious violation.

Watch out for managers who may provide high occupancy rates or promise specific returns on your investment. Real estate markets fluctuate, and no manager can may provide results. If they promise unrealistic outcomes, they are likely overselling their services.

Ask about their insurance and bonding. A reputable property manager carries liability insurance and may be bonded. If they cannot provide proof of insurance, that is a warning sign. Also ask whether they are a member of any professional organizations like the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM), which sets standards for the industry.

How to get your free guide If You Want to Hire a Property Manager

Start by identifying three to five property management companies in your area that manage properties similar to yours. You can search online, ask other property owners for recommendations, or contact your local real estate association. Request a proposal from each company that includes their fee structure, services offered, and references.

Review each proposal carefully and contact the references. Ask specific questions about responsiveness, how disputes were handled, and whether the manager kept the property in good condition. Schedule a call or meeting with the managers you are most interested in to get a sense of how they communicate and whether you feel comfortable working with them.

Once you have chosen a manager, review the management agreement line by line before signing. Make sure you understand the fees, the services included, how long the contract lasts, and what happens if you want to end the relationship. A good property manager should be willing to answer all your questions and provide everything in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a property manager and a real estate agent?

A real estate agent sells or rents properties and earns commission on transactions. A property manager operates a property on an ongoing basis after it is rented, handling day-to-day tenant and maintenance issues. Some people do both, but they are different roles with different skills and responsibilities.

Can I manage my own property instead of hiring a company?

Yes, many property owners self-manage. However, it requires time, knowledge of South Carolina landlord-tenant law, and the ability to handle tenant conflicts and maintenance emergencies. If you have only one or two properties and enjoy the work, self-management can save money. If you have multiple properties or prefer not to deal with tenants directly, a property manager is usually worth the cost.

What happens to my security deposits when I hire a property manager?

South Carolina law requires security deposits to be held in a separate trust account, not mixed with the manager's operating funds. The manager must provide tenants with an accounting of the deposit and return it within a specific timeframe after the tenant moves out, minus any legitimate deductions for damage or unpaid rent. Ask your property manager to explain their deposit handling process before you hire them.

Can a property manager evict a tenant?

Property managers can initiate eviction proceedings on your behalf, but the actual eviction must go through the South Carolina court system. The manager typically hires an attorney to file the paperwork and represent you in court. Ask your potential manager how they handle evictions and what the cost is, since it is usually separate from the monthly management fee.

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

South Carolina does not require property managers to be licensed, but they must follow state landlord-tenant law and any local regulations in the city or county where the property is located. Ask whether the manager is bonded and insured, and whether they belong to a professional organization. These are signs of a reputable company even without state licensing.