What Unlimited Dimensions Property Management Does and How It Works

Unlimited Dimensions is a property management company serving South Carolina landlords and rental property owners

Unlimited Dimensions handles day-to-day operations for rental properties across South Carolina, taking on tasks like tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement. The company works with residential and commercial property owners who want to outsource the management side of their business rather than handle it themselves.

If you own rental property in South Carolina and are looking into hiring a management company, Unlimited Dimensions is one option to research alongside others in your area. This guide explains what property management companies typically do, what questions to ask before signing a contract, and how to compare services and costs.

Key Takeaways

• Property management companies collect rent, screen tenants, coordinate repairs, and handle lease violations on behalf of landlords.
• Management fees typically run 8 to 12 percent of monthly rent, plus additional charges for leasing, maintenance coordination, or eviction services.
• Before hiring any management company, get a written contract that spells out which services are included, what costs extra, and how disputes are resolved.
• South Carolina landlords remain legally responsible for fair housing compliance and property code violations even when using a management company.
• You can terminate most management contracts with 30 to 60 days' notice, though some require longer notice periods or charge early termination fees.

What a property management company actually does

A property management company acts as the day-to-day operator of your rental business. Instead of you handling tenant calls, collecting checks, scheduling repairs, and filing eviction paperwork, the management company does those tasks and reports to you monthly. The scope varies by contract—some companies handle only rent collection and basic tenant communication, while others manage the full cycle from marketing vacant units to enforcing lease terms.

Common services include tenant screening (background checks, credit reports, rental history verification), rent collection and accounting, maintenance request coordination, lease enforcement, and eviction filing. Many companies also handle property inspections, utility coordination, and insurance documentation. Some offer additional services like property marketing, capital improvement planning, or HOA coordination for an extra fee.

The company does not own the property or make major decisions—you do. A management company should present repair estimates for your approval, give you the final say on lease violations, and report regularly on the property's financial performance. The relationship works best when the contract clearly defines what decisions the manager can make alone and which ones require your sign-off.

How management fees are structured

Most property management companies charge a percentage of monthly rent as their base fee, typically 8 to 12 percent depending on the property type, local market, and company size. A property renting for $1,200 per month might cost $96 to $144 per month in management fees. Some companies charge a flat monthly fee instead, which may be better if you own a high-rent property or worse if you own several lower-rent units.

Beyond the base fee, expect additional charges for services not included in the standard package. Leasing fees (charged when a new tenant moves in) often run 50 to 100 percent of one month's rent. Eviction filing and court representation may cost $300 to $1,000 or more depending on how contested the case is. Maintenance coordination fees, property inspections, and accounting reports may each carry separate charges. Ask for a complete fee schedule in writing before you sign.

Some companies charge a deposit or setup fee to open your account. Others charge a fee if you terminate the contract early. Read the contract carefully for language about price increases—many allow annual fee adjustments tied to inflation or market conditions. The cheapest management company is not always the best value if it charges extra for every service or has high turnover in staff assigned to your property.

Questions to ask before hiring a management company

Before signing a contract, get answers to these questions in writing: What services are included in the base fee, and what costs extra? How often will you receive financial reports, and in what format? How quickly does the company respond to maintenance emergencies? What is the process for approving repairs or capital improvements? Can you terminate the contract, and if so, what notice period and fees apply?

Ask about the company's tenant screening standards and whether they follow fair housing law. Ask how they handle security deposits—do they hold them in a separate account, and what is their process for returning deposits or deducting damages? Ask for references from current clients, especially owners with properties similar to yours. Ask whether the company has errors and omissions insurance and what happens if they make a mistake that costs you money.

Find out who your day-to-day contact will be and whether that person changes frequently. Ask how the company handles disputes between you and the manager—is there a formal complaint process, and who makes the final decision? Ask whether the company uses property management software you can access to check rent payments, maintenance requests, and tenant communication in real time.

Your legal responsibilities as the property owner

Hiring a management company does not transfer your legal obligations as a landlord. You remain responsible for fair housing compliance, meaning the company cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. You are responsible for maintaining the property to meet South Carolina's housing codes and for responding to tenant complaints about habitability. If the management company violates fair housing law or fails to make required repairs, you can be held liable in court.

Review your property management contract to confirm that the company agrees to follow all applicable laws and that you have the right to audit their practices. Some landlords require the management company to provide proof of fair housing training for staff. If a tenant files a complaint with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission or files a lawsuit, you will likely need to hire your own attorney even though the management company may have caused the problem.

Keep copies of all communications with the management company and all tenant complaints or requests. If a dispute arises, this documentation protects you. Some landlords require the management company to carry liability insurance that names the owner as an additional insured party.

How to compare management companies in your area

Start by identifying companies that manage properties similar to yours—residential single-family homes, multifamily buildings, or commercial space. Call or visit their websites to request a fee schedule and sample contract. Many companies offer a free consultation where you can ask questions and get a sense of how they operate.

Check whether the company is licensed or registered with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation if your state requires it. Look for online reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau, but remember that unhappy landlords are more likely to leave reviews than satisfied ones. Ask the company for references and actually call them—ask how long they have used the company, whether communication is responsive, and whether they would hire them again.

Get proposals from at least two or three companies so you can compare fees, services, and contract terms side by side. The lowest price is not the only factor—a company that charges more but has better systems, faster response times, and lower tenant turnover may save you money in the long run.

Terminating a management contract

Most property management contracts allow you to terminate with 30 to 60 days' written notice, though some require longer notice or charge an early termination fee. Read your contract carefully for the exact termination clause. Some companies charge a fee equal to one or two months of management fees if you leave before a certain date.

Before you terminate, plan the transition. Ask the management company for a final accounting of all rent collected, expenses paid, and security deposits held. Request copies of all tenant files, lease agreements, maintenance records, and communications. Confirm that all utilities are in the correct name and that you have access to any property management software accounts. Give the new management company (or yourself, if you are taking over) time to review the property and meet the tenants before the old company steps away.

If you are unhappy with the management company's performance, try addressing specific problems in writing first. Document what went wrong—missed rent collection, delayed repairs, poor communication—and ask for improvement. If the company does not respond, then consider terminating. Some disputes can be resolved faster than the time it takes to find and transition to a new manager.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to security deposits when I hire a management company?

The management company should hold security deposits in a separate, interest-bearing account in South Carolina, as required by state law. Ask in writing how the company handles deposits, whether they are commingled with operating funds, and what their process is for returning deposits or deducting damages. You remain responsible for compliance with South Carolina's security deposit law, so confirm the company's practices before you sign.

Can a property management company evict a tenant without my approval?

Most contracts require the manager to notify you of lease violations and get your approval before filing for eviction. Some contracts give the manager authority to file for eviction if rent is more than a certain number of days late. Read your contract carefully to understand what decisions the manager can make alone. You can always override the manager's recommendation and choose not to evict.

What if the management company collects rent but does not send it to me?

This is a serious breach of contract and potentially a crime. Your contract should specify when rent is due to you—usually within a few days of collection. Request monthly accounting statements showing all rent collected and all expenses paid. If the company fails to send you money owed, send a written demand and consider terminating the contract immediately. You may need to consult an attorney about recovering the funds.

Do I still need to know about tenant laws if I hire a management company?

Yes. Even though the management company handles day-to-day operations, you are the property owner and remain legally responsible for compliance with South Carolina landlord-tenant law, fair housing law, and building codes. Understand your basic obligations so you can review the management company's practices and catch problems before they become lawsuits.

Can I switch management companies without losing control of my property?

Yes. Plan the transition carefully by requesting all tenant files, lease agreements, and financial records from the old company before the new company takes over. Notify tenants in writing of the change and provide contact information for the new manager. The transition usually takes one to two weeks. You maintain ownership and decision-making authority throughout.