Security Realty and John Papas III: What to Know About This South Carolina Property Management Company

Who Security Realty and John Papas III Are

Security Realty is a property management company operating in South Carolina, with John Papas III listed as a principal. The company handles residential and commercial properties across the state, managing everything from tenant relations to maintenance coordination to rent collection. If you are a property owner considering hiring a management company, or a tenant renting from a property managed by Security Realty, understanding how the company operates and what services it offers will help you know what to expect.

Property management companies in South Carolina operate under state licensing requirements and must follow the South Carolina Property Owners' Association Act and local landlord-tenant laws. Security Realty, like all management firms in the state, is subject to these regulations, which govern how they handle deposits, communicate with tenants, and manage maintenance requests.

Key Takeaways

• Security Realty is a South Carolina-based property management company with John Papas III as a principal, handling residential and commercial properties across the state.
• Property managers in South Carolina must comply with state licensing requirements and landlord-tenant laws, including rules about security deposit handling and tenant communication.
• If you are a property owner, you can contact Security Realty directly to learn about their management services, fee structures, and what properties they currently manage.
• If you are a tenant, your lease should identify your property manager and provide contact information for maintenance requests and disputes.
• The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation maintains records of licensed property managers and can answer questions about regulatory compliance.

What Property Managers Do in South Carolina

A property management company acts as the intermediary between property owners and tenants. Security Realty's responsibilities typically include collecting rent, responding to maintenance requests, handling lease enforcement, managing tenant turnover, and coordinating repairs or upgrades. The company may also handle accounting and provide owners with regular reports on property performance and expenses.

In South Carolina, property managers must follow specific rules about how they handle money. Security deposits, for example, must be held in a separate account and returned within 30 days of a tenant's move-out, minus any documented deductions for damage or unpaid rent. Rent payments and other funds collected on behalf of owners must be accounted for and transferred according to the management agreement.

How to Contact Security Realty

If you are a property owner interested in learning whether Security Realty manages properties in your area, or what services and fees they offer, you can reach out to the company directly. Your lease or property documents should list the management company's contact information, office address, and the name of your assigned property manager or leasing agent.

If you are a tenant and need to report a maintenance issue, pay rent, or discuss a lease matter, your lease should specify how to contact Security Realty—usually by phone, email, or an online portal. Most property management companies in South Carolina maintain office hours and a system for logging and tracking tenant requests.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant

South Carolina law gives tenants specific rights regardless of which company manages the property. Your landlord or property manager must provide a habitable living space, make repairs within a reasonable time, and follow proper procedures before evicting you. Security Realty, as the managing agent, must follow these same rules and cannot retaliate against you for reporting code violations or requesting repairs.

If you have a dispute with Security Realty over maintenance, rent, or lease terms, you have the right to contact the property owner directly or seek mediation through your local housing authority. The South Carolina Residential Tenancy Act outlines your protections, and you can find a copy through the South Carolina Bar Association or your county courthouse.

Verifying a Property Manager's License and Standing

South Carolina requires property managers to be licensed through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can verify that Security Realty and its agents hold current licenses by contacting the department directly or checking their online license lookup tool. This verification is especially important if you are considering hiring a management company or want to confirm that the person managing your property is properly licensed.

If you have a complaint about a property manager's conduct—such as mishandling deposits, failing to make repairs, or violating tenant rights—you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. The department investigates violations and can take disciplinary action if warranted.

Fees and Service Agreements

Property management fees vary by company and by the services provided. Security Realty's fees depend on the type of property, the number of units, and the scope of management services. Owners typically pay a percentage of monthly rent collected (often between 8 and 12 percent) plus additional fees for leasing, maintenance coordination, or accounting services. These terms should be spelled out clearly in a written management agreement before the company takes over.

If you are a property owner, ask Security Realty for a detailed fee schedule and a sample management agreement before signing. If you are a tenant, your lease should not include management fees—those are paid by the owner—but understanding how your property is managed can help you know who to contact for different issues.

Finding Additional Property Management Resources in South Carolina

The South Carolina Apartment and Lodging Association represents property managers and owners across the state and can provide information about industry standards and best practices. The South Carolina Bar Association's website includes resources on landlord-tenant law and can help you understand your rights. Your county housing authority can also answer questions about local regulations and tenant protections.

If you are looking for a property manager or want to compare services, the Better Business Bureau maintains ratings and complaint histories for companies operating in your area. Speaking with other property owners or tenants who have worked with a management company can also give you insight into their reliability and responsiveness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Security Realty is licensed to manage property in South Carolina?

You can verify a property manager's license by contacting the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or using their online license lookup tool. You will need the company name and the manager's name. A current license means the company meets state requirements and is subject to regulatory oversight.

What should I do if Security Realty is not responding to my maintenance request?

South Carolina law requires landlords and property managers to make repairs within a reasonable time—usually 14 days for urgent issues like no heat or water. If Security Realty is not responding, send a written request (email or certified mail) and give them a deadline. If they still do not respond, you may be able to repair and deduct the cost from rent, or contact your local housing authority for guidance.

Can Security Realty keep my security deposit without showing me itemized deductions?

No. South Carolina law requires property managers to return security deposits within 30 days of move-out and to provide an itemized list of any deductions. If Security Realty does not return your deposit or does not explain the deductions, you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or pursue the matter in small claims court.

What happens if I have a dispute with Security Realty over rent or lease terms?

You can contact the property owner directly to discuss the issue, or request mediation through your local housing authority or community dispute resolution center. If the dispute cannot be resolved, you may pursue the matter in small claims court or through a formal eviction defense if the company tries to evict you.

Does Security Realty have to follow South Carolina tenant protection laws?

Yes. Property managers in South Carolina must follow all state and local landlord-tenant laws, including rules about habitability, repair timelines, eviction procedures, and security deposit handling. If Security Realty violates these laws, you can file a complaint with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or take legal action.