Owner FAQs

Federal law does not require property owners to accept Section 8 vouchers, though some states and municipalities have passed local ordinances that do. Charleston area requirements can vary, so we recommend confirming the rules that apply to your specific location. Our team is happy to walk you through what we know based on more than 40 years of operating in this market.

Yes. Doug Shorter Real Estate & Property Management is a fully licensed property management and real estate company operating in compliance with South Carolina regulations and all applicable industry standards. That licensure is part of the professional foundation we have built over four decades of serving Charleston homeowners and investors.

Yes. We maintain an emergency contact line for urgent property matters that cannot wait until the next business day. For general questions and routine inquiries, our team is available during normal business hours and will respond promptly.

Yes. We offer direct deposit for all owner disbursements. Rather than waiting on a check in the mail, your rental income is transferred directly into your account on a consistent schedule after rent is collected and applicable expenses are settled.

Owners are welcome to review the lease agreement. As your property manager, we handle lease execution on your behalf, which is one of the ways we work to reduce the day to day complexity of property ownership. If you have specific preferences about lease terms or language, we are glad to discuss them.

Yes. Real estate sales have been part of our business since the beginning. Whether you are looking to acquire additional investment properties in the Charleston area or considering selling, our team brings the same local expertise and long standing market knowledge to every transaction.

Owner disbursements are processed on a regular monthly schedule via direct deposit once rent has been collected and expenses have been accounted for. We provide a clear statement alongside each disbursement so you always know exactly where your money stands.

We offer multiple payment options for residents, including online payments, to make the process straightforward and consistent. Late payments are handled according to the terms of the lease, and we manage that follow up on your behalf so you do not have to.

The standard lease term is one year, which tends to provide the best balance of stability and flexibility for most owners in the Charleston market. Alternative lease lengths can be arranged depending on your goals and current market conditions.

Security deposit amounts are set in accordance with South Carolina law and current market standards. The specific amount is determined based on factors such as the monthly rent and the results of the application review process.

In most cases, we can begin managing your property as soon as the property management agreement is signed and the property is ready for leasing. We have a straightforward onboarding process developed over 40 years of experience, and we work to get things moving without unnecessary delays.

We manage residential properties throughout the Charleston area, including single family homes, condominiums, townhomes, and small multi family buildings. Our focus is on the local residential market, where our depth of experience is strongest.

Owners receive monthly financial statements that detail rent collected, expenses paid, and any maintenance activity. These reports are designed to give you a clear and accurate picture of your property's performance without requiring you to dig through complex data on your own.

Security deposits are held in a dedicated trust account that is separate from our operating funds, as required by South Carolina law. The proper handling of security deposits is something we take seriously, both because it protects our clients and because it reflects the standard of care that has defined our reputation in Charleston for more than 40 years.