Bad property management bleeds your bottom line

[Corey Goldstein]

I’ve been in this business a long time, as an investor, developer, and property manager, and let me tell you: what just happened in South Carolina is exactly what I warn clients about. When property management is sloppy, it’s not just a hassle, it’s a liability.

If you’re tired of watching management companies ignore tenants, skip maintenance, and drag down your cash flow, I get it. And I’m here to tell you: it doesn’t have to be that way.

Great management isn’t a luxury. It’s the foundation of asset protection. That means clear communication, trained staff, operational systems, and tenant relationships that actually work. This is how we avoid lawsuits, keep units full, and make sure your NOI keeps climbing.

And if you own property in South Carolina, listen up: state law lays out specific duties for both landlords and tenants, whether they’re written in your lease or not.

Here’s what you’re on the hook for:

• Maintain the property to health and safety standards
• Make timely repairs
• Keep all systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) in working order
• Keep common areas clean and safe
• Provide running water, hot water, and heat (unless the lease legally shifts that burden)

You can’t just assume your lease protects you. You have to know the law and run your operation accordingly. Tenants have rights, but so do you. That includes:

• The right to enter for repairs, inspections, or emergencies
• The ability to deduct damages or unpaid rent from security deposits
• The power to recover damages or attorney’s fees for lease violations
• The right to dispose of abandoned property (under $500) after proper notice
• The ability to enforce rules, as long as they’re fair, consistent, and clearly communicated

When it comes to eviction, South Carolina courts take rent disputes seriously. If a tenant fights the amount owed, the court will hold a hearing. If they appeal, they have to keep paying rent through the process. Know the rules, and you can protect yourself without getting burned.

The bottom line is this: you need a management team that doesn’t drop the ball. One that respects your tenants, protects your asset, and knows how to operate legally, efficiently, and profitably.