Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Are you licensed?

  A: Yes. All owners have held a Broker’s License for over 20 years. All property managers have a Property Management License or Real Estate License.

• Q: What type of properties do you manage?

  A: We only manage residential properties, including single family homes, condos, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, and smaller apartment complexes. We do not manage Home Owners Associations or commercial property.

• Q: How soon can you start managing my property?

  A: We typically list properties the same day that we receive the signed management agreement and keys.

• Q: Who holds the security deposit?

  A: We hold security deposits in our Escrow Account until the lease is fulfilled and the property is inspected for cleaning and damages.

• Q: What do I need to do in order to make my home rent ready?

  A: Typically, you will need to make sure all holes are patched, and the painting is touched up on all walls, ceilings, and trim. You will need to have the carpets professionally cleaned and have the house professionally cleaned. Lastly, you will need to make sure that the yard is up to par before tenants move in. We do require $1000.00 upfront funds to cover any of the above items.
  We require an $1,000.00 upfront to cover any of the above items.
  Also under Property management tab, rent ready standards:
  When a property is rolled over from an owner-occupied property to a tenant rental property, or from tenant to tenant, we strive to have the property be in the best condition possible for future residents and for the home to be move-in ready. The cleaner and well-prepared your property is at the beginning of a lease, the better chances for a tenant to maintain that standard. When tenants vacate your property, they will also be held to these move out standards (minus normal wear and tear).
  

• Q: Can the tenant get my name, number, and address?

  A: No. We make sure that our owners stay anonymous to the tenants. Besides, that’s what you are paying us for. We never give out owner information to tenants. We are always happy to do any coordination or communication between parties whenever necessary.

• Q: Can you help me if I already have a tenant?

  A: Yes, provided Marchant Property Managements terms and conditions are met. We can acquire mid-term lease or when that the current lease concludes. In cases where the resident is behind in their rent, we can take the necessary steps to either get them to pay or evict if we cannot obtain payment. Many residents will suddenly find a way to pay the rent or move as soon as they hear that a management company has been secured to follow through with collection.

• Q: Can I use my own vendors for maintenance?

  A: Marchant Property Management does not own a maintenance company and we don't add surcharges on maintenance. For that reason, we would be happy to have one of your vendors contact our maintenance department to see if they meet our vendor qualifications. In addition to being fully insured, a vendor must agree to a certain level of quality, response time and warranty provisions.

• Q: Do I have to allow pets?

  A: As the owner of the property it is your decision whether to allow pets or not. If you do not accept pets, you can expect to eliminate approximately 70% of potential applicants, and it could be substantially more difficult to rent your home. If you do not allow pets, it may double or even triple the time it takes to rent your property. Owners have the option to allow either/or cats and dogs. In addition, owners can restrict the breed, age, and weight of pets. If you allow pets, we charge and retain reasonable pet fees and we will guarantee to cover any pet damage of up to $2,000 above the security deposit at no charge to the owner. We also use a 3rd party Pet Screening process. Please watch the video here for additional information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNwkiEOZvGs&feature=youtu.be

• Q: Do I have to provide pest control?

  A: Our leases state that if there is evidence of a pest problem within the first 3 days of the lease, then the owner is responsible for paying for pest control. Any future pest control would be paid for by the tenant.

• Q: Who pays for utilities?

  A: Unless the HOA provides any included utilities, the tenants are responsible for having all the utilities in their own name. In addition, Marchant has partnered with Citizen Home Solutions, which is a free concierge service that helps tenants connect all utilities with one phone call.

• Q: Who pays for lawn maintenance?

  A: Unless the HOA provides landscaping, the tenants are responsible for maintaining the yard.

• Q: Who is responsible for cleaning the gutters?

  A: Some other companies will use a lease that requires the tenants to clean the gutters. But, this would come as a surprise to those tenants and more importantly, we think it is unwise to ask a tenant to get on a ladder and risk falling and suing the landlord. We will hire a local professional to clean the gutters.

• Q: Who is responsible for changing the filters?

  A: I am excited to announce a new program we are rolling out with new leases and renewals. We have partnered with FilterEasy , the #1 air filter subscription company in the world, and we are able to structure a solution uniquely designed to dramatically increase rental resident compliance.

  In summary...

  • The exact quantity, size, and quality of filters needed will be delivered on a subscription basis for the lease period. No more searching at the store.
  • Shipments will have our logo and messaging, reminding residents of their obligation.
  • Filters will be stamped with expiration dates, so we can hold residents accountable.
  • Instructions as well as benefits will be included to educate and motivate the resident.
  • The most important thing is that the filters arriving on their doorstep is the trigger to change the air filters on time, so remembering is no longer part of the equation. In addition to the in hand reminder, we also send out email notifications to the tenant the day the filter gets shipped out. In this email reminder, there is a tracking number, so the resident can see where the shipment is in real time.

• Q: Do I need any special kind of insurance?

  A: If your property was previously your personal residence, it is very important, once it becomes a rental to switch the insurance to a rental policy. This is very different from your homeowner’s policy and you do not want to give your insurance company any reason to deny a claim. Also, if your property is every going to be vacant for more than two months, you also need to speak with your insurance provider about that and may need a special policy for this situation.

• Q: Should I rent my home furnished?

  A: Typically, tenants that require furniture are not long-term tenants. A vacant rental home will diminish your ROI, to avoid a vacancy, focus on marketing to a longer-term tenant. The market for furnished homes is extremely small in Greenville.

• Q: What if my tenant is not taking care of my property?

  A: If it is noted on the property visit that your tenant is not keeping the property to the required standard, then a lease violation is issued, stating the items that need to be resolved. If this is not done within the stipulated time frame, usually 10 days, we will contact you to discuss the next course of option, including a lease termination notice if necessary.

• Q: How can I get started?

  A: You can get started right away by going to the Pricing Page of our website and clicking on the Click to Sign button for whichever plan you would like to choose. You can also get started by contacting us by email or call us with your property information. One of our knowledgeable property managers will contact you for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.