Owner FAQs

• Am I required to make my property available to Section 8?

  Federal law does not require property owners to accept Housing Choice Voucher holders, but some states and local jurisdictions do. Northwest Florida and South Alabama each have their own rules, and we stay current on what applies in the communities we serve. We will help you understand your obligations and make an informed decision that aligns with your goals.

• Are you licensed?

  Yes. Southern Choice Properties is a licensed property management company operating in compliance with all applicable regulations in Northwest Florida and South Alabama. Licensing is one part of the professional standard we hold ourselves to, because doing things the right way is not optional for us.

• Can I reach you after hours?

  Yes. We maintain an emergency contact line for urgent property matters that cannot wait. Routine questions and general inquiries are handled during normal business hours, and we make it a priority to respond promptly and communicate clearly so you are never left wondering.

• Can you put the money directly into my account?

  Yes. Owner disbursements are sent via direct deposit on a consistent schedule, so your rental income arrives reliably and without unnecessary delay. You will also receive a financial statement so you can see exactly what came in and what went out.

• Do I get to see the lease or sign it?

  You can absolutely review the lease before it is executed. As your property manager, we handle the lease signing on your behalf under the authority granted in your property management agreement, but we believe in transparency and want you to feel confident in every document attached to your investment.

• Do you sell real estate too?

  Absolutely! Southern Choice Properties is a full-service real estate brokerage, and we've been helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the real estate market since 2011. With experience dating back to 2005, we understand that real estate isn't one-size-fits-all. Whether you're buying your first home, selling a property, growing your investment portfolio, or deciding whether to rent or sell, we're here to help you explore your options and make the best decision for your goals.

  Not sure what your next move should be? Let's talk! Tell us a little about your property and what you're hoping to accomplish, and we'll help you figure out the best way forward.

• How and when do I get my checks?

  Owner disbursements are processed on a regular monthly schedule after rent is collected and applicable expenses are reconciled. Direct deposit keeps the process efficient and dependable, and your accompanying owner statement gives you a clear picture of your property's financial performance.

• How is rent collection handled?

  We offer multiple payment options to make it easy for residents to pay on time, including online payments through the resident portal. When payments are late, we follow a consistent process in accordance with the lease terms, because protecting your cash flow is part of protecting your investment.

• How long of a lease do you sign?

  Standard lease terms are typically 12 months, which provides stability for both property owners and residents. Shorter or longer terms may be available depending on market conditions and your specific goals. We will recommend the lease structure that makes the most sense for your property and the opportunity it represents.

• How much security deposit do you charge the resident?

  Security deposit amounts are set in alignment with local market standards and state legal requirements. The specific amount takes into account factors such as monthly rent and overall application profile. We handle this with the same care and consistency we bring to every part of the leasing process.

• How soon can you start managing my property?

  We can move quickly once your property management agreement is in place and the property is ready for leasing. Our team will assess the property, discuss your goals, and put a plan in motion so you can move forward with confidence and as little disruption as possible.

• What types of properties do you manage?

  We manage single-family homes, multi-family properties, condominiums, and select commercial properties throughout Northwest Florida and South Alabama. Whether you're a seasoned investor with an established portfolio or someone who never planned on becoming a landlord, we've got you covered! Our experience also extends to affordable housing and regulated multifamily communities, with specialized training in Florida Housing Finance Corporation compliance requirements. Combined with our ongoing education in Fair Housing, landlord-tenant laws, and property management best practices, we understand that protecting your investment goes well beyond collecting rent. Have a property you'd like us to manage? Let's talk about your goals and how we can help you make the most of your investment.

• What type of reports do I get and how often?

  You receive detailed monthly owner statements covering rent collected, expenses paid, and maintenance activity. We believe clear and consistent reporting is part of the communication standard every owner deserves, and we are always available to walk through your numbers or answer questions about your property's performance.

• Who holds the resident security deposit?

  Security deposits are held in a dedicated trust account that is legally separate from our operating funds, as required by Florida and Alabama law. This is a non-negotiable part of how we operate, because handling other people's money with care and full accountability is central to everything we stand for.

• Collecting rent is easy. Protecting what you've worked hard to build? That's where the right team makes a difference.

  From DeFuniak Springs and Freeport to Destin and the Emerald Coast, Southern Choice Properties helps owners protect their investments with local expertise and communication that doesn't leave you guessing. What does property management cost? Our standard residential fee is 10% of rent collected, plus 50% of the first full month's rent for leasing. Commercial and specialized properties receive customized proposals, with fees explained upfront. How do you determine rental rates? We study comparable rentals, location, condition, amenities, and market demand. Our goal is a competitive price that supports rental income without creating unnecessary vacancy. How do you screen applicants? We coordinate marketing and showings, then review applications using consistent criteria. Standard requirements include a minimum 600 credit score, verifiable income of at least 2.5 times monthly rent, rental history, and applicable background checks. Property-specific requirements may vary, and Fair Housing rules guide our process. Do you charge for lease renewals? No! Standard residential renewals are included at no additional charge. We track expiration dates, review market conditions, and coordinate renewals to help avoid unnecessary turnover. When do owners receive rental income? We target distributions between the 8th and 10th of each month, or the next business day, subject to cleared funds and property expenses. Your Rentvine owner portal provides access to statements and account activity. What if a resident pays late? We monitor balances, follow up on overdue rent, and coordinate notices and next steps as required by law. You'll know what's happening and what comes next. You should know where your investment stands without having to chase down answers.

• Who handles maintenance and inspections?

  We coordinate repair requests, local vendors, and owner approvals when required. Move-in and move-out inspections and periodic property evaluations help document conditions, identify concerns, and protect your investment. What happens when a resident moves out? We coordinate move-out, document property condition, address security deposit requirements, and arrange necessary turnover work. Then we prepare the property for marketing to help minimize vacancy. Do you manage commercial and multi-family properties? Absolutely! We manage single-family homes, triplexes, fourplexes, apartment communities, commercial buildings, and income-restricted housing. Our experience includes FHFC and HOME program requirements, plus customized commercial leasing and management proposals. Do you also buy and sell real estate? Yes! Southern Choice Properties is a full-service brokerage helping clients buy, sell, lease, and manage residential and commercial real estate throughout Northwest Florida and South Alabama. Whether you're purchasing your first rental, selling a property, or growing your portfolio, we're here to help. Why choose Southern Choice Properties? Since 2011, we've built our business on relationships, integrity, and clear communication. Whether you're nearby or across the country, our team provides local oversight and personal accountability. We believe protecting your investment means caring for the property and the people connected to it. Ready for A Better Way Home? Your property deserves more than someone collecting rent. It deserves a team that shows up, follows through, and cares about your success. Complete the form below for a free property management consultation. Let's talk about your property, your goals, and how Southern Choice Properties can help.

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