What Southern Living Property Management Does and How to Work With Them

Southern Living Property Management operates across South Carolina with a focus on residential rentals, offering landlord services and tenant placement

Southern Living Property Management is a company that handles day-to-day operations for property owners who rent out homes and apartments in South Carolina. They collect rent, screen tenants, handle maintenance requests, and manage lease agreements on behalf of landlords. If you own rental property in the state and want someone else to run it, or if you are a tenant renting from a property managed by this company, understanding what they do and how to contact them matters for your lease and your rights.

The company operates in multiple South Carolina markets. Their services typically include finding and screening tenants, collecting monthly rent, coordinating repairs, handling evictions when necessary, and managing security deposits. Landlords pay them a fee—usually a percentage of monthly rent—in exchange for these services. Tenants pay rent to Southern Living Property Management rather than directly to the owner.

Key Takeaways

• Southern Living Property Management collects rent and handles tenant screening and maintenance for landlords across South Carolina.
• Tenants should direct maintenance requests and rent payments to the property management company, not the property owner.
• Security deposit disputes and lease violations are handled through the property management office, which must follow South Carolina tenant law.
• Contact information and office locations vary by region, so confirm which Southern Living office manages your property before reaching out.

How Southern Living Property Management Handles Tenant Screening

When you apply to rent a property managed by Southern Living, the company runs background checks, verifies income, and contacts previous landlords. They typically require proof of income (usually 2.5 to 3 times the monthly rent), a credit check, and references from prior housing. Criminal history and eviction records factor into their decisions, though South Carolina law limits how far back they can look and what they can consider.

The screening process usually takes five to ten business days. You will receive a written approval or denial. If denied, South Carolina law requires the company to tell you why and give you a chance to dispute inaccurate information on your report. Keep copies of all documents you submit—lease, pay stubs, identification—because you may need them later if a dispute arises over your deposit or lease terms.

Rent Payment and Late Fees Under Southern Living Management

Rent is due on the date specified in your lease, typically the first of the month. Southern Living Property Management collects it directly. If rent is late, the lease will state what late fee applies—South Carolina law allows late fees but requires them to be reasonable and specified in writing before you sign the lease. Late fees cannot be disguised as something else or charged multiple times for the same late payment.

Most properties managed by Southern Living accept online payment through their portal, by check, or by automatic bank transfer. Ask which methods they accept and whether paying online incurs a fee. Keep proof of every payment you make. If a payment is lost or misapplied, you will need documentation to resolve it.

Maintenance Requests and Repairs

Report maintenance problems to Southern Living Property Management, not the property owner. Most companies use an online portal or phone line where you can submit requests. Urgent issues—no heat in winter, no water, electrical hazards—should be reported by phone and followed up in writing. South Carolina law requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions, and property management companies must pass these requests to the owner and ensure repairs happen within a reasonable time.

Document everything. Take photos of the problem, note the date you reported it, and keep copies of any emails or work orders. If repairs are not made and the problem affects your ability to live safely in the unit, you may have legal options, but you need a paper trail showing you reported it and gave the landlord time to fix it.

Security Deposits and Move-Out Procedures

When you move in, you will pay a security deposit—typically equal to one month's rent, though South Carolina law allows up to one and a half months for unfurnished units. Southern Living Property Management holds this deposit and must return it within thirty days of move-out, minus any deductions for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning costs if the lease allows it.

Before you move out, request a walk-through inspection with Southern Living or the owner. Take photos of the unit's condition. When you leave, provide a forwarding address in writing. If the company deducts money from your deposit, they must send you an itemized list of deductions within thirty days. If you disagree with the deductions, you have the right to dispute them. South Carolina law is strict about deposit handling—improper deductions can result in the company owing you three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees.

Lease Violations and Eviction Process

If Southern Living Property Management believes you have violated your lease—nonpayment of rent, unauthorized occupants, property damage, or lease violations—they will typically send a written notice. For nonpayment, South Carolina law requires a five-day notice to pay or quit. For other violations, the notice period depends on the lease and the violation type. You have the right to cure (fix) the problem within the notice period if the lease allows it.

If you do not pay or cure the violation, the company can file for eviction in magistrate court. You have the right to appear in court and defend yourself. Eviction is a legal process, not something that happens immediately. Even after a court judgment, there is a waiting period before a sheriff can remove you. If you receive an eviction notice, contact a legal aid organization or tenant rights group immediately—South Carolina has free legal resources for renters who cannot afford a lawyer.

Finding Contact Information for Your Local Office

Southern Living Property Management has multiple offices across South Carolina. The best way to find the right contact is to check your lease—it will list the office managing your property and provide a phone number and mailing address. You can also search online for "Southern Living Property Management [your city]" to find the nearest office.

Keep the contact information in a safe place. You will need it to report maintenance, ask about lease terms, dispute charges, or request your security deposit return. If you cannot locate the office, contact the South Carolina Residential Tenancy Act hotline or a local legal aid office—they can help you identify the correct management company and your rights under state law.

Your Rights as a Tenant Under South Carolina Law

South Carolina's Residential Tenancy Act protects you regardless of whether your landlord uses a property management company. You have the right to a habitable unit, privacy (landlords must give notice before entering), and the return of your security deposit within thirty days. You cannot be retaliated against for reporting code violations, requesting repairs, or asserting your legal rights.

Property management companies must follow the same laws as individual landlords. If Southern Living Property Management violates your rights—keeps your deposit illegally, fails to make necessary repairs, enters without notice, or retaliates against you—you have legal recourse. Document everything, send complaints in writing, and contact a tenant rights organization or attorney if the company does not respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pay rent to Southern Living Property Management?

Most offices accept online payment through their tenant portal, automatic bank draft, check, or money order. Ask your property manager which methods they use and whether online payments have a fee. Always keep proof of payment.

What should I do if Southern Living does not make repairs?

Report the problem in writing (email or work order) and keep a copy. If repairs are not made within a reasonable time and the issue affects habitability, contact a tenant rights organization. South Carolina law may allow you to withhold rent or repair-and-deduct in serious cases, but you must follow proper procedures.

Can Southern Living keep my security deposit for normal wear and tear?

No. They can only deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or cleaning if the lease allows it. They must provide an itemized list within thirty days. If deductions are improper, you can dispute them or pursue a claim in small claims court.

What happens if I receive an eviction notice?

You have the right to appear in court and defend yourself. Contact a legal aid organization or tenant rights group immediately. South Carolina has free legal resources for renters. Do not ignore the notice—responding in court is your only way to fight the eviction.

How do I find which Southern Living office manages my property?

Check your lease—it lists the managing office and contact information. You can also search online for "Southern Living Property Management [your city]" or call a local legal aid office for help locating the correct office.