What Real Property Management Charleston Does and How to Work With Them
Real Property Management Charleston handles residential and commercial leasing, tenant screening, and rent collection for property owners in the Charleston area
Real Property Management Charleston is a locally-based property management company that works with landlords and property owners across the Charleston region. They manage day-to-day operations for rental properties—collecting rent, handling maintenance requests, screening tenants, and managing lease agreements. The company operates as part of the larger Real Property Management franchise network, which means they follow standardized systems while serving the specific Charleston market.
If you own rental property in Charleston and want someone else to handle the operational side, or if you are a tenant trying to understand who manages your building, knowing what this company does and how to contact them matters for getting issues resolved quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Real Property Management Charleston manages residential and commercial properties, handling rent collection, maintenance coordination, and tenant communication on behalf of property owners.
- The company screens tenants, prepares leases, and handles eviction procedures when necessary as part of their full-service property management.
- Property owners typically pay a percentage of monthly rent (the exact rate varies by property type and services selected) for management services.
- Tenants dealing with maintenance issues or lease questions should contact Real Property Management Charleston directly through their office phone or online portal if one is available.
- The company operates within South Carolina landlord-tenant law, which governs security deposits, notice periods, and eviction timelines.
Services Real Property Management Charleston Offers to Property Owners
Property owners who hire Real Property Management Charleston transfer the day-to-day management work to the company's staff. This includes advertising vacant units, screening prospective tenants, collecting rent each month, and handling tenant communication about lease terms and property rules.
The company also coordinates maintenance and repairs. When a tenant reports a broken appliance, plumbing issue, or other problem, Real Property Management Charleston receives the request, arranges for a contractor or in-house maintenance staff to fix it, and tracks the cost. Property owners receive reports on what was repaired and what it cost.
Real Property Management Charleston also handles the financial side: they collect rent, deposit it into an account, pay property expenses like maintenance and utilities (if those are landlord responsibilities), and provide owners with monthly statements showing income and expenses. This accounting function helps owners track their property's performance and prepare for tax time.
Tenant Screening and Lease Management
Before a tenant moves in, Real Property Management Charleston runs background checks, verifies income and employment, and contacts previous landlords to assess whether an applicant is likely to pay rent on time and follow lease terms. The depth of screening varies depending on what the property owner requests and pays for.
Once a tenant is approved, Real Property Management Charleston prepares the lease agreement, collects the security deposit and first month's rent, and explains the lease terms to the tenant. They keep copies of all signed documents and maintain a record of what the tenant paid upfront.
If a tenant breaks the lease or stops paying rent, Real Property Management Charleston can initiate eviction proceedings on the owner's behalf. South Carolina eviction law requires specific notice periods and court filings, and the company handles those steps according to state requirements.
How Property Owners Pay for Management Services
Real Property Management Charleston charges property owners a fee for their services, typically calculated as a percentage of the monthly rent collected. The exact percentage depends on the size of the property, the number of units, which services are included, and what the owner negotiates. A single-family home may have a different rate than a multi-unit building.
Some owners also pay additional fees for specific services—for example, a leasing fee when a new tenant is placed, or a maintenance coordination fee if the company arranges repairs. It is worth asking Real Property Management Charleston for a written fee schedule before signing a management agreement so you understand all costs upfront.
Contacting Real Property Management Charleston
Property owners and tenants can reach Real Property Management Charleston through their main office. The company typically has a phone line for general inquiries, a website with contact information, and may offer an online portal where tenants can submit maintenance requests or pay rent.
If you are a tenant with a maintenance emergency—a burst pipe, no heat in winter, or a safety hazard—call the office directly and ask for the emergency maintenance line. Most property management companies have an after-hours number for urgent repairs. If you are a property owner considering hiring them, request a consultation to discuss your specific needs and get a fee quote.
Understanding South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Law
Real Property Management Charleston operates within South Carolina's landlord-tenant regulations, which set rules for security deposits, notice requirements, and eviction procedures. South Carolina law requires landlords to return security deposits within 30 days of a tenant moving out, minus any deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear. The landlord must provide an itemized list of deductions.
For evictions, South Carolina requires the landlord to give written notice—typically three days for nonpayment of rent or breach of lease, or 30 days for month-to-month tenancies. If the tenant does not cure the problem or move out, the landlord must file in court. Real Property Management Charleston should follow these timelines and procedures, but tenants and owners alike should know the basic rules so they can verify the company is acting correctly.
If a dispute arises between a tenant and the property management company, South Carolina's courts handle landlord-tenant cases. Small claims court handles disputes under a certain dollar amount, while civil court handles larger cases.
When to Hire a Property Manager Versus Self-Managing
Some property owners manage their own rentals—collecting rent, arranging repairs, and screening tenants themselves. Others hire a company like Real Property Management Charleston to handle it all. The choice depends on how much time you have, how many properties you own, and whether you want to deal directly with tenants.
Hiring a property manager costs money but saves time and can reduce mistakes. A professional company knows South Carolina law, has relationships with contractors, and handles tenant conflicts without personal emotion. Self-managing saves the management fee but requires you to be available for emergencies, handle complaints, and stay current on legal requirements.
If you own one or two properties nearby and have time to manage them, self-managing may work. If you own multiple properties, live far away, or prefer not to deal with tenant issues, a property management company like Real Property Management Charleston is often worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I contact Real Property Management Charleston if I am a tenant?
Call their main office number or visit their website for contact details. Most property management companies have a phone line for tenant requests, an online portal for submitting maintenance issues, and an emergency number for urgent repairs. Ask for the tenant services department or maintenance line when you call.
What happens if my landlord uses Real Property Management Charleston and I have a complaint?
Start by contacting Real Property Management Charleston directly with your concern—maintenance delays, lease questions, or billing issues. If they do not resolve it, you can file a complaint with South Carolina's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or pursue the matter in small claims court if money is involved.
Can Real Property Management Charleston evict a tenant?
Real Property Management Charleston can start the eviction process on behalf of the property owner by providing proper notice and filing court paperwork according to South Carolina law. However, only a judge can order an eviction. The tenant has the right to appear in court and defend themselves.
What should I ask Real Property Management Charleston before hiring them?
Request a written fee schedule showing all costs, ask what services are included, find out how they handle maintenance emergencies, and ask for references from other property owners they manage for. Also ask about their tenant screening process and how they handle disputes.
Does Real Property Management Charleston handle commercial properties?
Yes, the company manages both residential and commercial properties. Commercial management may involve different services and fees than residential, so discuss your specific property type and needs when you contact them.