What to Know About TJ's Property Management in South Carolina

TJ's Property Management handles residential and commercial properties across South Carolina

TJ's Property Management is a South Carolina-based company that manages rental properties for landlords and property owners. The firm handles day-to-day operations including tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement. If you own rental property in South Carolina or are looking for information about how a property management company operates, understanding what TJ's does and how they work can help you decide whether their services fit your needs.

Property management companies like TJ's take on the responsibilities that come with owning rental real estate—work that many property owners prefer to outsource. Rather than handling tenant calls, scheduling repairs, or chasing late rent payments themselves, owners can hire a management company to do that work in exchange for a fee, typically a percentage of monthly rent collected.

Key Takeaways

• TJ's Property Management operates in South Carolina and manages both residential and commercial rental properties for owners.
• Property management companies handle tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance requests, and lease enforcement on behalf of property owners.
• Management fees are usually calculated as a percentage of the monthly rent collected, though the exact rate varies by company and property type.
• Before hiring any property management company, you should understand what services they provide, what they charge, and how they handle emergencies and tenant disputes.

Services property management companies typically provide

A property management company's core job is to act as the middleman between property owner and tenant. When a tenant calls with a leaky faucet, the management company arranges the repair. When rent is late, they send notices and handle collection. When a lease ends, they handle the move-out inspection and coordinate with the next tenant.

Most management companies also screen potential tenants before they move in—running background checks, verifying income, and checking rental history. This reduces the risk that an owner will end up with a tenant who cannot pay or who damages the property. Some companies also handle evictions if a tenant stops paying or violates the lease, though eviction law varies by state and requires court involvement.

Beyond day-to-day operations, many property managers keep records of all transactions, provide owners with monthly financial reports, and handle tax documentation. Some also manage maintenance contracts with plumbers, electricians, and other vendors, which can save owners time and sometimes money through bulk relationships.

How property management fees work

Property management companies charge for their services, and the cost structure matters when you are deciding whether to hire one. The most common fee model is a percentage of monthly rent collected—often between 8 and 12 percent, though this varies. A property that rents for $1,500 a month might cost $120 to $180 per month to manage, depending on the company and the agreement.

Some companies charge a flat monthly fee instead of a percentage. Others charge a percentage for ongoing management but add separate fees for specific tasks like tenant screening, lease signing, or eviction. Before signing an agreement, ask for a complete list of what is included in the base fee and what costs extra. Hidden fees—charges that appear only after you have signed—are a common complaint from property owners.

The fee is usually deducted from the rent collected before the owner receives their payment. This means if a tenant pays $1,500 and the management fee is 10 percent, the owner receives $1,350 and the company keeps $150.

What to ask before hiring a property manager

If you are considering hiring TJ's Property Management or any other company, there are specific questions that will help you understand what you are getting. Ask how they handle emergency repairs—does a tenant call them directly, or do they have a 24-hour line? Ask how often you will receive financial reports and in what format. Ask whether they handle evictions in-house or refer them to an attorney, and what that costs.

Ask about their tenant screening process. Do they run credit checks, criminal background checks, and rental history verification? What are their standards for approval? A company with stricter screening may cost more but could save you money by placing more reliable tenants.

Ask how they handle disputes between tenant and owner—for example, if a tenant claims the manager ignored a maintenance request, or if the owner disputes a charge on their bill. Is there a formal complaint process? Who do you contact if you are unhappy with the service?

Request references from current clients—other property owners who use the company. Ask those owners whether the company responds quickly to problems, whether the financial reports are clear and accurate, and whether they would hire them again.

Understanding lease enforcement and eviction

One of the most important jobs a property manager does is enforce the lease—making sure tenants pay on time and follow the rules. This includes sending late notices, documenting lease violations, and, if necessary, starting eviction proceedings. South Carolina has specific laws about how evictions must happen, including notice periods and court procedures.

Not all property managers handle evictions themselves. Some refer owners to an attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law. If eviction becomes necessary, you will need to understand who pays for the attorney and court costs, and whether those fees come out of the management company's pocket or yours. This matters because it affects the total cost of using a property manager.

Eviction is a last resort and can take weeks or months even when the tenant is clearly in violation. A good property manager will document everything—late payments, lease violations, repair requests ignored—so that if eviction does go to court, the record is clear.

Maintenance and repair coordination

When a tenant reports a broken heater or a clogged drain, the property manager is responsible for getting it fixed. This involves calling vendors, scheduling appointments, authorizing the work, and paying the bill. For owners who live far from their rental property or who own multiple properties, this service alone can be worth the management fee.

Property managers often have relationships with local contractors and may negotiate better rates than an owner could get alone. However, you should ask how the company decides when to repair versus replace something, and whether they get your approval before spending above a certain amount. Some managers have a threshold—say, $500—above which they must contact the owner before proceeding.

Ask also how they handle emergency repairs. If a pipe bursts on a Sunday night, does the manager have authority to call an emergency plumber, or must they wait for your approval? In emergencies, waiting can mean more damage, so understanding the policy matters.

Tenant screening and move-in procedures

A property manager's first job with a new tenant is screening. This typically includes a credit check to see if the person pays bills on time, a criminal background check, and verification of rental history—calling previous landlords to ask whether the tenant paid rent and kept the property in good condition.

The screening process protects both owner and manager. A tenant with a history of evictions or unpaid rent is a risk. A tenant with a criminal history may or may not be a concern depending on the nature of the crime and how long ago it occurred; South Carolina law limits how far back a manager can look and how much weight they can give to old convictions.

Once a tenant is approved, the manager coordinates the move-in. This includes having the tenant sign the lease, collecting the security deposit and first month's rent, doing a move-in inspection to document the property's condition, and providing the tenant with a copy of house rules and emergency contacts. A thorough move-in process protects the owner later if there is a dispute about damage or missing items.

Financial reporting and record-keeping

Every month, a property manager should provide the owner with a detailed financial report showing rent collected, expenses paid, and the owner's net payment. This report is important for your own tax records and for tracking whether the manager is doing their job.

Ask what format the reports come in—email, online portal, paper mail—and how detailed they are. A good report will show rent collected, late fees, maintenance costs broken down by vendor, management fees, and any other charges. If the report is vague or hard to understand, ask for clarification. You have the right to know where your money is going.

Property managers also keep records of all leases, tenant communications, maintenance work orders, and financial transactions. These records are important if a dispute arises or if you need documentation for tax purposes. Ask how long the company keeps records and whether you can request copies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does property management typically cost in South Carolina?

Most property management companies in South Carolina charge between 8 and 12 percent of monthly rent collected, though some charge flat fees instead. A $1,500 rental might cost $120 to $180 per month to manage. Some companies also charge separate fees for tenant screening, lease signing, or evictions. Always ask for a complete fee schedule before signing an agreement.

Can a property manager evict a tenant?

Property managers can start the eviction process and handle the paperwork, but eviction is a court proceeding that requires a judge's order. Some managers handle evictions in-house; others refer owners to an attorney. South Carolina law requires specific notice periods and procedures, so the process takes time even when the case is straightforward.

What happens if I am unhappy with my property manager?

Most property management agreements allow either party to end the relationship with written notice, usually 30 days. Before ending the relationship, try to resolve the problem directly—put your complaint in writing and give the manager a chance to respond. If that does not work, review your contract for the termination process and follow it exactly.

Do I need a property manager if I only own one rental property?

That depends on your situation. If you live near the property, have time to handle tenant calls and repairs, and are comfortable with the legal side of landlord-tenant law, you might manage it yourself. If you live far away, own multiple properties, or prefer not to deal with tenant issues, a property manager can save you time and stress—though you will pay for that service.

What should I look for in a property manager's tenant screening process?

A thorough screening should include a credit check, criminal background check, and verification of rental history. Ask what standards the company uses to approve or reject applicants. A stricter screening process may result in fewer applicants but more reliable tenants. Also ask whether the company follows South Carolina law regarding how far back they can look at criminal history.