Owner Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What do you charge for your property management services?

    A: We have 3 tiers of services that range from 8%-10% of each month’s rent. YOU, as the landlord, get to choose what is appropriate for your rental property. If a landlord would like to self manage, we even have a flat fee that offers tenant procurement, screening and lease creation.
  • Q: What happens if something needs to be repaired?

    A: We have vendors to handle almost every situation. If a repair is over $300, we contact you for approval whenever possible. Our priority is to handle issues for you, so that you only think about your property when you receive your deposit.
  • Q: Am I required to make my property available to Section 8?

    A: No, you are not required to accept section 8 vouchers. If this is something that is of interest to you, please feel free to ask.
  • Q: Are you licensed?

    A: Yes! I have been a realtor for over a decade, but now solely handle property management. I am a proud member of the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM®)
  • Q: Why should I have a NARPM® professional manage my property? „

    NARPM® members have access to numerous, enhanced educational opportunities including the NARPM® designation program, making them experts in the management of residential property. „

    NARPM® members understand rental markets, not just buying and selling properties, and have the skills in their repertoire for the unique challenges associated with managing other peoples’ property.

    NARPM® members adhere to the highest Code of Ethics and Standards of Professionalism. „

    NARPM® managers can maximize rents and income for you. „

    NARPM® managers will manage the property efficiently, professionally, and economically— freeing you to do other things.

    The difference between a professional property manager and a landlord can be HUGE, and can dramatically affect your bottom line. Unlike many owners and landlords, a NARPM® property manager: „
    • Knows the landlord/tenant laws for your city, state, and federal governments. This is important both legally and financially.
    • Knows rent values and vacancy factors, including vacancy time for your area. „
    • Has rental applications and consistent screening policies to meet legal obligations. „
    • Performs thorough move-in/move-out property evaluations. „
    • Is personally familiar with reputable painters, electricians, roofers, chimney cleaners, carpenters, landscapers, furnace and appliance repairmen—licensed, affordable, and reliable. „
    • Is able to effectively confront and negotiate with the tenant and enforce the terms of the rental agreement.
  • Q: Are all property managers a member of NARPM®?

    A: No, but I believe that they should be. To see if your property manager is a member of NARPM®, look on https://www.narpm.org/about/why-use-one/
  • Q: Can I reach you after hours?

    A: Yes. Our office hours are from 10-6, but you can always reach me by email or by utilizing our emergency prompt on 704-288-4597.
  • Q: Can you place the rent money directly into my account?

    A: We deposit rent directly into your bank account on the 15th of the month, along with an informative owner’s statement relating to your property.
  • Q: Do I get to see the lease before I sign it?

    A: Absolutely! You are the first person to sign the lease, and you will be sent a copy via email when all parties have signed.
  • Q: Do you sell real estate too?

    A: I no longer sell real estate. I want to be dedicated to your rental 100%. It is hard to serve 2 masters, and some agents who do both sales and rentals feel pulled in 2 directions. Also, some agents do not like working with property managers who do sales in fear that they may “poach” their clients. No worries here!
  • Q: How and when do I get my checks?

    A: The owners get paid via ACH on the 15th of the month, or the next business day if the 15th is a weekend or holiday. We pay vendors between the 10th and the 14th.
  • Q: How is rent collection handled?

    A: Most tenants pay their rent online via their tenant portal before the 5th of the month.
  • Q: How long of a lease do you sign?

    A: We generally sign a 1 year lease. This allows for inspections of properties prior to renewal, and the opportunity to make a rent adjustment when it is warranted.
  • Q: How much security deposit do you charge the tenant?

    A: We charge between 1-2 months rent for a security deposit, depending on the results of a 3rd party screening company.
  • Q: What about service animals? Do I have to accept them?

    A: Yes. That being said, we use a 3rd party company to help validate such animals. In a world where people purchase fraudulent certificates for pets online, we have found that  Petscreening.com has staff in place to authenticate real service animals respectfully and with HIPAA compliance. 
  • Q: How soon can you start managing my property?

    A: I can start whenever you are ready! Just call me at 704-288-4597 to set up an appointment to meet at our conveniently located Cornelius office. If you are an out of town owner, we can do everything over the phone and online.
  • Q: What type of properties do you manage?

    A: We manage single family homes, townhomes, and condos from Uptown Charlotte to Lake Norman...and everywhere in between.
  • Q: What type of reports do I get and how often?

    A: You will receive a monthly Owner Statement. That will give you an update of the accounting associated with your properties. We also send you more detailed statements, breaking down all of your costs, to help facilitate your accounting with the IRS.
  • Q: Who holds the tenant security deposit?

    A: We hold the tenant security deposits in a trust account, per law.
  • Q: What if we have to evict a tenant?

    A: Unfortunately, evictions happen. Hiring a professional property manager is a solid “step-in-the-right-direction” in securing a good tenant. If our firm procures a tenant that we need to later evict, we will handle a “simple eviction” at no cost to you. (If the eviction is appealed, or requires legal assistance, we will provide you with all options and quotes to proceed in the most sound way possible.)