What Real Property Management Distinguished Care Offers Property Owners in South Carolina

Real Property Management Distinguished Care is a full-service property management company operating across South Carolina

Real Property Management Distinguished Care handles the day-to-day operations of rental properties for owners who want to step back from landlord duties. The company manages residential and commercial properties, collecting rent, screening tenants, handling maintenance requests, and managing evictions when necessary. They operate in multiple South Carolina markets and work with property owners of all sizes—from those with a single rental home to investors managing larger portfolios.

The company charges a management fee, typically a percentage of monthly rent collected, plus additional fees for specific services like tenant placement or maintenance coordination. Property owners keep the rental income after the company's fees are deducted. Real Property Management Distinguished Care is part of the larger Real Property Management franchise network, which means they follow standardized practices but operate as an independent local business.

Key Takeaways

• Real Property Management Distinguished Care handles tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and lease enforcement for residential and commercial properties across South Carolina.
• The company charges a percentage-based management fee plus additional fees for services like tenant placement, eviction processing, and emergency repairs.
• Property owners can review their account activity through an online portal that tracks rent payments, expenses, and property performance.
• The company is licensed to operate in South Carolina and carries insurance to protect against liability claims related to property management.

Services included in property management

Real Property Management Distinguished Care handles tenant screening before a lease begins, which includes background checks, credit reports, eviction history, and employment verification. Once a tenant moves in, the company collects rent on the owner's behalf, follows up on late payments, and processes evictions if a tenant stops paying or violates the lease. This removes the direct conflict between owner and tenant and ensures consistent enforcement of lease terms.

Maintenance coordination is another core service. When a tenant reports a repair need, the company receives the request, schedules contractors, oversees the work, and deducts the cost from the property's account. Emergency repairs—burst pipes, electrical failures, roof damage—are handled immediately, with the company authorized to spend up to a set amount without waiting for owner approval. Routine maintenance like lawn care, pest control, and HVAC servicing can also be arranged through the company's vendor network.

The company prepares lease agreements that comply with South Carolina landlord-tenant law, handles lease renewals, and manages move-out inspections. They document property condition at move-in and move-out, which protects both owner and tenant if disputes arise over security deposit deductions. Accounting services include monthly statements showing rent collected, expenses paid, and the owner's net proceeds.

How fees are structured

Management fees are typically charged as a percentage of monthly rent collected—commonly between 8 and 12 percent, though this varies by property type and local market. A property renting for $1,200 per month might incur a management fee of $96 to $144, depending on the rate negotiated. The fee is deducted from rent before the owner receives their portion.

Additional fees apply for specific services beyond routine management. Tenant placement fees cover advertising the property, screening applicants, and preparing the lease—this is usually charged once per new tenant and may range from one month's rent or a flat fee. Eviction processing includes court filing fees, attorney coordination, and follow-up, which the company bills separately. Maintenance coordination typically includes a markup on contractor costs—the company pays the vendor and bills the owner at cost plus a percentage, or charges a flat coordination fee per service call.

Emergency repair authorizations vary by agreement. Some owners set a threshold—say, $500—above which the company must contact them before proceeding. Others grant blanket authority for emergency repairs up to a certain amount. This is negotiated when the management agreement is signed.

Tenant screening and lease enforcement

Real Property Management Distinguished Care uses background checks, credit reports, and rental history to assess tenant risk before a lease is signed. They verify employment and income to confirm the tenant can afford rent, typically requiring income to be at least three times the monthly rent. This process aims to reduce the likelihood of late payments and lease violations.

Once a tenant is in place, the company enforces lease terms consistently. If rent is late, they send notices and follow up with phone calls according to South Carolina law. If a tenant violates other lease terms—unauthorized occupants, pet violations, property damage—the company documents the violation and issues notices to cure or quit. If the tenant does not comply, the company initiates eviction proceedings through the courts, which in South Carolina typically takes 30 to 60 days depending on whether the tenant contests the case.

Online account access and reporting

Property owners can log into a web portal to view their account activity in real time. The portal shows rent payments received, maintenance expenses paid, and the owner's current balance. Owners can submit maintenance requests through the portal, which the company then schedules and tracks. Monthly statements are available online and can be downloaded for accounting or tax purposes.

The portal also allows owners to review lease documents, tenant contact information, and upcoming lease renewal dates. Some owners use this to stay informed without being involved in day-to-day decisions; others use it to monitor specific properties or verify that work was completed as expected. Access is password-protected and specific to each property owner's account.

Insurance and legal compliance

Real Property Management Distinguished Care carries errors and omissions insurance, which protects against liability claims related to management decisions or negligence. This does not replace the owner's own landlord insurance, which covers property damage, liability from tenant injury, and loss of rent. Owners should maintain their own policy regardless of whether they use a property manager.

The company operates under South Carolina's property management licensing requirements and follows state landlord-tenant law in all lease agreements, notices, and eviction procedures. South Carolina does not require property managers to be licensed, but the company maintains professional standards and membership in industry organizations. Owners should verify the company's insurance coverage and ask about their experience with South Carolina-specific regulations before signing a management agreement.

When to consider hiring a property manager

Property owners often hire Real Property Management Distinguished Care when they own multiple properties, live out of state, lack time to handle tenant issues, or want to avoid the stress of evictions and repair coordination. A single rental property in a strong market may not justify the management fee, but a portfolio of three or more properties often does—the company's efficiency and vendor relationships can save money on maintenance and reduce vacancy time.

Owners who are uncomfortable with confrontation or unfamiliar with South Carolina landlord-tenant law benefit from having a professional handle lease enforcement. The company's experience with eviction procedures, security deposit disputes, and lease violations reduces the owner's legal risk. For owners who prefer a hands-off approach, the online portal provides enough visibility to stay informed without daily involvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if a tenant stops paying rent?

Real Property Management Distinguished Care sends a late notice and attempts to collect payment. If the tenant does not pay within the notice period required by South Carolina law, the company files for eviction in district court. The process typically takes 30 to 60 days. The owner remains responsible for the property during this time and should maintain insurance coverage.

Can I still make decisions about my property if I hire a manager?

Yes. Most management agreements allow owners to set parameters—for example, approving major repairs over a certain cost, choosing which tenants to accept, or deciding on lease terms. The company handles execution within those boundaries. Owners can also contact the company directly to discuss specific decisions or concerns about their property.

How long does it take to find a tenant?

Vacancy time depends on the property's location, condition, and rent price. In strong South Carolina markets, a well-maintained property at market rate may be leased within two to four weeks. In slower markets or if the property needs repairs, it may take longer. Real Property Management Distinguished Care can discuss typical vacancy periods for properties in your area.

What if I disagree with a maintenance decision the company made?

Contact the company directly to discuss the work performed or the contractor chosen. If the work was done without your authorization and exceeded your agreed threshold, the company should explain the circumstances. Most agreements allow owners to request a second opinion or different contractor for future work.

Do I need my own landlord insurance if I use a property manager?

Yes. The company's insurance covers their own liability, not your property or loss of rent. You need a landlord or rental property insurance policy that covers the building, liability from tenant injury, and loss of rent if the property becomes uninhabitable. Verify your coverage with your insurance agent before signing a management agreement.