What Real Estate Inc Does and How to Work With Them in South Carolina
Real Estate Inc is a property management company operating across South Carolina
Real Estate Inc manages residential and commercial properties throughout South Carolina, handling tenant relations, maintenance, rent collection, and lease enforcement on behalf of property owners. The company operates as a third-party manager, meaning owners hire them to run day-to-day operations rather than handling those tasks themselves.
If you own rental property in South Carolina and are considering hiring a management company, or if you are a tenant renting from a property managed by Real Estate Inc, understanding how the company operates and what services they provide will help you know what to expect and how to contact them when you need something.
Key Takeaways
- Real Estate Inc manages both residential and commercial properties across South Carolina, collecting rent and coordinating maintenance on behalf of owners.
- Property owners typically pay Real Estate Inc a percentage of monthly rent (often 8 to 12 percent) plus fees for specific services like leasing or repairs.
- Tenants should contact Real Estate Inc directly for maintenance requests, rent payment questions, or lease-related matters if the property is under their management.
- South Carolina law requires property managers to hold security deposits in separate accounts and return them within 30 days of lease end, with an itemized list of any deductions.
What services Real Estate Inc typically provides to owners
Property management companies like Real Estate Inc handle the operational side of rental ownership so owners do not have to. This includes advertising vacant units, screening tenants, preparing and signing leases, collecting rent each month, responding to maintenance requests, coordinating repairs, and handling evictions if necessary. Some companies also manage utilities, coordinate landscaping, or handle accounting and tax documentation.
The specific services vary by agreement. Some owners hire Real Estate Inc for full-service management (everything listed above), while others contract only for tenant screening and leasing, handling maintenance themselves. Before signing a management agreement, owners should receive a written list of what is and is not included, what the fees are, and how disputes are resolved.
How Real Estate Inc charges for property management
Property management fees in South Carolina vary by company and by the type of property. Most companies charge a percentage of monthly rent collected—typically between 8 and 12 percent for residential properties—plus additional fees for specific services. A property generating $1,200 per month in rent might cost the owner $96 to $144 per month in management fees alone.
Beyond the base management fee, owners often pay separately for leasing (a one-time fee when a new tenant moves in), maintenance coordination, eviction filing, or accounting services. Some companies charge a flat monthly fee instead of a percentage. The management agreement should spell out every fee in writing so there are no surprises.
How to contact Real Estate Inc as a tenant
If you rent a property managed by Real Estate Inc, your lease should list the company's contact information and the procedure for reporting maintenance problems, paying rent, or asking questions about your lease. Most property management companies accept maintenance requests online, by phone, or by email. Rent payments typically go to a specific address or online portal listed in your lease or on the company's website.
For urgent issues—a burst pipe, no heat in winter, or a security problem—call the emergency number on your lease or the company's website rather than waiting for business hours. South Carolina law requires landlords (including property managers acting on their behalf) to maintain habitable conditions, which means responding to serious maintenance issues within a reasonable time.
Security deposit rules that apply to Real Estate Inc
South Carolina law requires all property managers, including Real Estate Inc, to hold security deposits in a separate account that is not mixed with the company's operating funds. The deposit must be returned to the tenant within 30 days of the lease ending, along with an itemized list of any deductions for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning costs.
If Real Estate Inc deducts money from your deposit, the law requires them to provide an itemized accounting showing what was deducted and why. If you disagree with the deductions, you have the right to dispute them. Keep your lease and move-out photos as evidence if you need to challenge the deduction later.
How South Carolina law regulates property managers
South Carolina does not require property managers to hold a state license, but they must follow state landlord-tenant law. This means they cannot discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status when screening tenants or setting lease terms. They must provide proper notice before entering a rental unit (usually 24 hours), cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations, and must maintain the property in habitable condition.
If you have a dispute with Real Estate Inc over a lease, a security deposit, or maintenance, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or pursue the matter in small claims court if the amount is under $7,500. Many lease agreements also include a dispute resolution process—check your lease to see what steps you are required to follow before going to court.
Finding contact information and reviews for Real Estate Inc
Real Estate Inc should have a website listing their office locations, phone numbers, and email addresses. If you are a tenant, your lease should include their contact details. If you are a property owner considering hiring them, ask for references from current clients and search online for reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, or local South Carolina real estate forums.
Before signing a management agreement, request a sample lease, a fee schedule, and the company's policy on maintenance response times and tenant communication. Ask how they handle complaints and what recourse you have if you are unhappy with their service. Getting these details in writing protects both you and the company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Real Estate Inc evict me without going to court?
No. South Carolina law requires a property manager or landlord to file an eviction case in court and obtain a judgment before removing a tenant. Self-help evictions—changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities—are illegal. If Real Estate Inc wants to evict you, they must serve you with a notice, file in court, and win the case.
What should I do if Real Estate Inc is not returning my security deposit?
First, send a written request (email or certified mail) asking for the deposit and an itemized accounting of any deductions. Keep a copy. If they do not respond within 30 days of your lease ending, you can file a small claims court case in the county where the property is located. Bring your lease, move-out photos, and any written communication with the company.
Can Real Estate Inc raise my rent whenever they want?
Only if your lease allows it or if your lease has ended and you are month-to-month. South Carolina law does not cap rent increases, but the property manager must follow the terms of your lease and provide proper notice (usually 30 days) before the increase takes effect. Check your lease to see when and how rent can be raised.
How do I know if Real Estate Inc is licensed to manage property in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not require a state license for property managers. However, you can verify that the company is registered as a business with the South Carolina Secretary of State and check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau or the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
What happens if Real Estate Inc does not make repairs I requested?
Document your request in writing (email works) and keep a copy. If the repair is urgent (no heat, water leak, broken lock), contact them again and note the date and time. If they still do not respond within a reasonable time, you may have the right to repair and deduct the cost from rent or to break the lease without penalty, depending on the severity. Consult the South Carolina Residential Tenancies Act or contact a local legal aid office for guidance on your specific situation.