5 Renting Mistakes To Avoid | Property Management Company In Columbia

Key Takeaways:

Columbia is a great place to live, offering a unique blend of culture, recreation, affordability, and career opportunities.

From single-family homes and condos to multi-family units, there are plenty of rental properties in Columbia for people who want to call this city home.

However, before renting a property in Columbia, understand the common renting mistakes and take the necessary steps to protect your rights as a tenant.

Not reading the rental agreement carefully, not getting renters insurance, paying rent late, misusing amenities, and prioritizing square feet over layout or design are common mistakes to avoid to ensure a smooth rental experience.

Auben Realty Midlands is a premier house rental expert and property management company in Columbia that can help you find the right property and protect your rights as a tenant.

Our experienced team will match you to an ideal rental property according to your budget and requirements and ensure that all the necessary paperwork and agreements are correctly handled.

Property management companies in Columbia will tell you that renting a new home here is an exciting experience. From lush green hills, rolling meadows, and peaceful surroundings to vibrant city life and exciting nightlife, this city provides a mix of rural and urban living that few other cities can match. It also boasts excellent schools, great local shopping and dining options, plenty of parks, cultural attractions, recreation areas, and a strong community of diverse people.

According to
Forbes
, Columbia is one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, ranking 102 out of 200 as one of the best cities for business and career opportunities. In addition, the cost of living in Columbia is relatively low compared to other major cities in the US, making it an attractive option for people looking to relocate.

That said, you can easily find an affordable and suitable rental property in Columbia. Whether you’re looking for a one-bedroom apartment, a family home, or something more luxurious, plenty of options are available. However, partnering with a reliable home rental expert and property management company in Columbia ensures you get the best deal and service.

Auben Realty Midlands
specializes in helping people find the perfect rental property in Columbia. We offer various homes and apartments with varying styles, locations, and amenities. Our experienced real estate agents will work closely with you to find a rental property that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Besides, leasing a house through us means that it will be appropriately managed and maintained. Our
property management company in Columbia
will take care of all the maintenance, repairs, inspections, and other tasks and make sure your new home is safe and comfortable. With us, you’ll have a stress-free renting experience!

That said, you must know that as much as working with professional property management is essential, it is also necessary to be familiar with common renting mistakes. We have compiled a list of the top five renting mistakes to help you avoid any unpleasant experiences.

1. Not Reading the Rental Agreement Carefully | Property Management Company In Columbia

Many renters do not read the rental agreement carefully, which can lead to issues later. The most important parts of the rental agreement are the rent amount and payment dates, occupancy rules, and property condition at the time of move-in.

Make sure to go through the rental agreement line by line and read all of the details before you sign. Because once you sign the agreement, you are legally bound to all the terms and conditions, and going against them could lead to unpleasant legal situations.

2. Not Getting Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is a type of insurance that helps protect your personal property from theft and damage and liability for accidents or injuries inside the rental unit. It is important to get renters insurance to protect yourself in an accident. It will also help you save money in the long run if something does happen to your belongings.

When looking for a rental property in Columbia, consider the cost of a renters insurance policy as part of your budget. While getting this insurance is not required by law, it will provide much-needed peace of mind and financial protection.

3. Paying Rent Late

When you sign a lease for a rental property in Columbia, you agree to pay rent on time. The date could be on the first of every month or due on another predetermined date. Landlords expect their tenants to pay rent on time regardless of the due date.

If you cannot pay rent on the specified due date, you must inform your landlord and explain the situation. Most landlords understand and will work with you to develop a payment plan or an alternative solution. However, if you fail to pay rent or make arrangements with your landlord, you could face legal consequences such as late fees or eviction.

4. Misusing Amenities

Whether it’s a rental home, an apartment building, or other types of rental property in Columbia, tenants are typically responsible for taking good care of the amenities the landlord provides. It includes but is not limited to, things like furniture, appliances, and other items that come with the rental. Tenants are also expected to keep communal areas clean and avoid damaging property.

If you misuse amenities or damage the property, you could be held financially responsible for the repairs. Inspecting the property before renting is always a good idea to ensure you know its condition so you don’t have to worry about these issues.

5. Prioritizing Square Foot Over Layout or Design | Property Management Company In Columbia

At times, tenants may prioritize the square footage of a rental property in Columbia over the layout or design – which is a mistake. While square footage is important, it’s not the only factor to consider when selecting a rental property.

Imagine having a larger space that’s dark and cramped or one with an awkward layout. Not only will this be uncomfortable, but it could be more challenging to furnish and decorate to make the most of your space.

Therefore, it’s essential to consider the layout and design of the property carefully. Take note of any windows, natural light sources, and other elements that could make or break your experience. Inspect the kitchen, bathrooms, and other common areas to ensure they meet your needs.

Looking for A Rental Property? Let the Professional Property Management Company in Columbia Help!

Auben Realty Midlands
is a premier house rental expert and property management company in Columbia. Our experts are familiar with all city areas and can help you find the perfect rental property to fit your needs. We offer various options, including houses, single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. We also have properties in all price ranges to fit any budget.

Use our search tool to find the best rental property in Columbia that meets your needs. You can narrow your search by location, rent amount, beds, and baths. Once you find a place that fits your budget and requirements, our experienced agents will help you sign a lease and move into your new home.
Contact us today
to get started with your search for the perfect rental property in Columbia!

Property Management Company Columbia SC | Is My Property a Good Fit?

As you shop around for the right property management company in Columbia, SC, you might come across options that don’t line up with the type of property you are trying to rent. Different management companies specialize in different parts of the market, after all. Finding the right partner is a matter of finding a company that knows the market you are trying to enter and has experience in that specific space. So, is your property a good fit for what we do here at Auben Realty? Let’s take a closer look below.

Some Starting Guidelines

As a good starting point, you should know that Auben Realty tends to focus on mid-market to high-end properties throughout the area. As a property management company in Columbia, SC, we have built up significant experience in this market segment, so we are best able to serve our clients by staying with what we know best. Within that category of middle to high-end, we are able to manage many different types of properties including single-family, townhomes, duplexes, condos, and more. We are proud of the work we have done with our various past and current clients, and would love to add you to that list.

The Simple Solution

There is no need to sit around and wonder if we will be able to serve as your property management company in Columbia, SC because you can simply get in touch with us today to find out directly from our team. We’ll be happy to go over your needs, learn a little more about the property or properties you own, and we can go from there. This will only take a little bit of your time and hopefully, it will lead to a successful professional relationship that can last for years to come.

Working with the right property management company can take a huge weight off of your shoulders. Auben Realty would be proud to serve in this role for you, so reach out today to learn more about our services. We hope to hear from you soon!

Property Management Company Columbia SC | Monitoring Your Property Legally

When your property is rented out by a long-term tenant, you might feel the need to check in on it periodically to make sure the condition is being maintained and no surprise damage will be found after that tenant moves out. You can drive by on the street at any time, of course, but that really isn’t going to show you much. Getting inside the property periodically is essential, but you need to do so in a legal fashion. A good
property management company in Columbia, SC
will be able to help with that task.

Following the Rules

Although it is your property in the sense that you own it, the tenants that occupy the property while under a lease have certain rights that must be protected. That means you are now allowed to simply show up and walk into the property whenever you would like. If you’d like to do a walk-through to assess the condition of the home, you’ll need to provide at least 24 hours notice to your tenants. Of course, if you want to be a good landlord and maintain a good relationship with the renter, you’ll provide as much notice as possible and make sure this walk-through is not disruptive to their day-to-day life. With us acting as your
property management company in Columbia, SC
, you can have us deal with arranging this walk-through and making the proper notification in advance.

Dealing with Issues

Beyond setting up a walk-through, another benefit of having a
property management company in Columbia, SC
is knowing what to do when issues do arise. What if you find something in the walk-through that is concerning? We’ll be there with you, and our team understands rental laws fully – we’ll be able to suggest a course of action and help you execute on whatever is necessary to protect your interests while staying on the right side of the law.

Property Management Company in Columbia | We’ll Cast a Wide Net for the Best Tenants

You may already know that finding good tenants is critical when renting out a property in Columbia or the surrounding area. But how do you find those tenants? That’s where it gets tricky. Looking for reliable renters on your own is a daunting task, but we can help. With years of experience as a trusted property management company in Columbia, we have a proven method of finding good renters for our client’s properties.

It’s a Lot of Work | Property Management Company

This is the part of the property rental process that owners tend to underestimate. You might think that you could just quickly put out an ad and immediately have plenty of great renters to pick from, but that’s not always how it works. You can easily invest a ton of time – and some money – in the process of looking for a tenant, only to struggle to find a good one. As your property management company in Columbia, we’ll do all of the legwork like background checks, following up with references, and more. All of that effort will pay off in the long run if you wind up with a tenant who is reliable and pays on time.

We Know Where to Look

There are certain channels to use in the search for quality tenants that tend to provide better results than others. As a result of our many years in this business, we know how to use the best paths to find good renters, and then we put those candidates through our review process to find the right person or people for your property. If you don’t have a property management company in Columbia working for you, it will be difficult to find great renters – and even if you do, you’ll have to spend a tremendous amount of time on the process.

Rent your Home Columbia | Rent your Home Faster with these Updates

Rental homes are in hot demand, but developers are scrambling to build more housing to keep up with population growth in the Midlands. Investors in rental properties can find a lot of luck in attracting and retaining high-quality tenants by making updates that will have applicants clamoring to get a showing.

Best Updates to Make To Rental Properties

The best updates to make before you rent your home in Columbia are the fast and easy updates including:

Fresh coat of paint in the interior

Replacing carpet

Upgrading appliances

Refacing cabinets

maxing/polishing non carpeted flooring

Replacing the tub surround

Adding simple landscaping to the exterior

These simple and quick updates to rental properties make a big impact during applicant tours because it helps the home look cleaner and brighter. However, investors who want to rent their home in Columbia and stay towards the above average end of the market rent can consider:

Replacing siding or fresh exterior painting

Replacing laminate flooring with tile or hardwood

Replacing cabinets

Remodeling the master bathroom

Creating outdoor space such as a deck, patio, or garden

In addition to making updates and renovations to increase the rent value on the home, investors should always stay on top of pest control, keeping landscaping up to date (including tree trimming and pruning), and more. Keeping rental properties in pristine condition can be difficult, especially once a new tenant moves in. Investors should ensure that their property management company includes mandates in the lease for proper interior and exterior care of the home, as well as biannual inspections of the home.

One of the worst things that can happen to an investor is a tenant not taking care of a property and previous updates and renovations being ruined. Working with property managers to provide oversight to your investments can help you yield a larger return, and increase the value of your property.

If you need property management services in Columbia, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .

Rent your Home Columbia | Top Amenities Renters Want

One of the best ways to make residual income is to rent your home in Columbia. However, the generation looking to rent single-family homes are younger millennials and generation Z who are now in their early to mid 20’s. These generations of tenants are looking for properties that are modern, spacious, and can be their safe haven to entertain and relax with friends and family. Homes that had owners for many years, or decades, are often in need of a lot of updates to increase the appeal. Luckily, we know just the top amenities renters are looking for in and around Columbia, SC.

Top Amenities for Rental Properties

Outdoor Space- The weather is beautiful most of the year in the Midlands and renters are looking for space to entertain their friends and family both indoors and out. A patio or deck in the backyard, lots of space for a fire pit and chairs, and maybe even room for a swingset will help investors get top dollar for rent.

Energy Efficient Appliances- The younger generations are more eco-conscious than ever and if the appliances are more than 20 years old you should consider upgrading them before you rent your home in Columbia. Energy efficiency isn’t just good for the environment, but it will help lower the utility bills for the tenants.

Ample Parking- Off street parking can be hard to find depending on where you are renting in Columbia and the surrounding areas. However, a driveway and garage can increase the value of the property and land your home on the higher end of the market rate. Everyone wants off-street parking if they can get it!

Smart Home Features- The more a millennial or genZer can control with their phone, the better for them. Smart Home features such as digital thermostats, automatic lights, and even shades that go up and down with the tap of the screen will impress tenants and future buyers.

Lots of Storage- Minimalism is in, but not everyone wants to throw out every item that doesn’t bring them immediate joy. Millennials are especially into the streamlined look where they can keep most of their kitchen appliances, dishes, and food tucked away into pantries and cabinets. They also love large walk-in closets with built-in shelves and bookcases.

These top amenities will help your property stay occupied and turn a profit in Columbia and all around the Midlands. Most of these amenities are easy and fast to complete without breaking the bank!

If you need property management services in Columbia, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .

Property Management Company Columbia | Why the Midlands is the Place to Invest

Diving into investment properties is an exciting time but knowing where the best place to invest is can be tricky. South Carolina has a growing population, but the number of available properties in the big cities such as Charleston is not keeping pace with the number of tenants coming to the state. Many first time investors are finding more success and less competition for properties in communities like the midlands and Columbia.

Benefits of Investing in the Midlands

Housing costs in Charleston are 127% more expensive than Columbia. This HUGE disparity makes investing in properties in the Midlands very attractive for first time investors.

More than half of the residents in Columbia rent their homes and are happy to do so as rents have remained relatively affordable compared to Charleston.

Columbia is a buyer’s market according to realtor.com and is one of the best places to find great property values with high returns on investment.

University of South Carolina along with business growth in Columbia keep a steady stream of people moving into the area. There will always be quality renters so your properties won’t remain vacant.

A property management company in Columbia can help you manage properties no matter where you live or if you want to travel.

Best Neighborhoods to Invest Around Columbia

Columbia offers a great urban-suburban environment, but there are many other neighborhoods perfect for single-families in the suburbs as well.

Cayce
is a small community where nearly 50% of the households are renters. The neighborhood is just a bit south of downtown Columbia and sits along the Congaree River. Homes in Cayce average 5 days on the market, so this community is hot for investors.

West Columbia
is another community where there are many renters. 45% of the households rent and homes are more affordable in West Columbia than other places in the metro area.

Chapin
has a lower population of renters but this tiny community with a population less than 2,000 is ranked as the second-best community to purchase a home in the Columbia area. Average rent is $1,200 and worth every penny, especially lakefront properties.

A property management company in Columbia can help investors decide which neighborhoods are the best for rental property profits.

If you need property management services in Columbia, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .

Property Management Company Columbia | Rental Trends to Look For in 2023

South Carolina home values have increased by nearly 27% in the last year and the trend will continue into 2023. The housing market is so strong because of high demand and limited supply of single family homes. Throw inflation in the mix which is causing contractors to spend more and more on building, and the biggest trend for 2023 will be rent increases. However, there are a few more trends a property management company in Columbia should consider to keep returns increasing.

Trends in Rental Properties

Cohabitating in Single-Family- More and more single young adults are finding themselves looking for single-family homes where they can cohabitate with friends to save money. Sometimes a property management company in Columbia can increase profits by charging rent per bedroom when there are multiple unrelated adults living in a home.

Shorter Term Leases- The market is changing quickly and shorter term leases allow a property management company in Columbia to be flexible when it comes to terms such as rent. Generally landlords cannot change the price of rent until lease renewal time, with inflation rising as fast as it is, landlords need to be able to keep up with market trends.

Summer Vacation Rental- One of the best ways to make higher profits on homes used for student housing in South Carolina is to rent the home for summer vacation rentals. These types of rental turn a profit fast, especially if the property is close to the beach.

One of the best ways for investors to keep up with the trends in the ever-changing rental market is to use a property management company in Columbia. Property managers keep a close eye on market trends and rates, take care of all the day-to-day tasks associated with being a landlord, collect and process rent, and much more. Taking on these duties allows investors to focus on their business, while a manager focuses on the tenants.

If you need property management services in Columbia, call
Auben Realty of the Midlands
at .

Rental Policies Essential to be in Your Lease | Property Management Companies in Columbia SC

A lease is the most important and essential component to renting your single-family home. The lease is a legally binding document that outlines the rental amount, due dates, and obligations of the landlord and tenant. Having a lawyer or experienced property management companies in Columbia SC involved in creating your lease is always a good idea. Property managers are experts in leasing and can let you know the policies that are most essential to protect owners and the property.

Most Important Lease Policies for Property Management Companies in Columbia SC

Fees-
There are more charges that tenants are responsible for above and beyond rent; however, these fees must be outlined in the lease to be enforceable. Fees could include municipal garbage, bulk waste, or recycling fees, late fees, lease violation penalty fees, charges made to the deposit such as cleaning fees post move-out, pet fees, and more.

Overnight Visitor Policies-
Long term overnight visitors can quickly end up becoming roommates which can put your tenants over the occupancy limits in the lease. Too many people living in a house and not being on the lease is a problem property management companies in Columbia SC are familiar with and we always recommend having clear occupancy policies for visitors and tenants.

Exterior Upkeep-
Lawns, sidewalks, porches, patios, decks, gardens, garages, and other exterior areas of the property require upkeep from mowing and weed pulling to keeping these areas free from trash and debris. Outlining responsibilities of the landlord and the tenant in the lease for these areas is important to maintaining the curb appeal of the property.

Renewal and Termination Policies-
The last thing you want is for a tenant to move out unexpectedly and be stuck with unplanned costs to clean, market, and lease the property. Adding policies that outline how to properly terminate or renew a lease will protect your investment financially. Make sure to consider how far in advance tenants must renew or give notice of moving out, any early termination fees or late renewal fees, and what the move out procedures should be.

These four policies are essential to have in each property lease; however, there are many other factors that are very important. Partnering with property management companies in Columbia SC is a great way to ensure your leases are legally binding, protect your property and investment, and increase your return on investment.

If you’re ready to talk about your property management options, give
Auben Realty
a call at .

Battling the Top Reasons Why Tenants Want to Move Out | Property Management Companies in Columbia SC

One of the most important tasks property management companies in Columbia SC do for their investor clients is making sure great tenants don’t leave. When tenants pay ontime, keep the property clean and cared for, and don’t have any complaints, the most dreadful thing that can happen is non renewal of their lease and moving out. The best tenants are super hard to come by, and sometimes there is no way to convince a renter not to move, including when their job changes or they have personal reasons to move. However, there are a lot of ways you can increase resident retention and make it more likely for tenants to stay in place longer.

How to Overcome Tenant Move Out Requests

There are a few common reasons why tenants might want to move that will allow you some flexibility in changing their minds:

The House is Too Small-
If tenants are expanding their family by having a child or wanting to have roommates, the rental home might not fit their needs any longer. Property management companies in Columbia SC can simply offer a lease transfer when this is the case! Work with the tenants to lease another property by the same owner or company so you aren’t completely losing out on the revenue from those tenants. Pre Leasing an upcoming property, or even allowing tenants to break their current leases early when transferring in-house can be a win-win for everyone.

We Don’t Like the Schools-
If the tenants are wanting to have kids, or their kids are starting school, they may start looking for a new home in a different school district, or closer to their school of choice. When this happens the best option is to ask them to transfer into a rental property near the school they want and offer them options that allow them to keep renting from the same property management companies in Columbia SC.

No Longer Affordable-
One of the toughest objections to overcome from tenants is when they can no longer afford the rent. You shouldn’t lower your rent to accommodate your renters, however, you can help them to see the great value they have by staying in their home. Moving costs, paying a new deposit for rent and utilities, and the loss of certain amenities such as on-site laundry can end up costing a tenant more than if they had stayed in the home and renewed their lease.

Property managers often have great sales skills that help to increase retention among the tenants that you want to renew again and again. Working with a property management company can streamline your business and help you see a larger return on investment.
Call Auben Realty
today to find out how we can help you.

Contact Auben Realty at .