Property Management FAQs

Want to know what it’s like working with us? Start with the questions we hear most from owners and investors.

Where are you located?

We’re based in Hahira but operate remotely. We’ve embraced a virtual model to provide more flexibility and reduce overhead. Our team members work remotely across various locations.  Most of our work is done either at the properties we’re working on or over the internet or phone.  Of course we’re available to meet in person when helpful.

What are the advantages of our property being listed on the Multiple Listing Service?

We, at Fox Real Estate, prioritize placing your property with greater visibility on the marketplace.  MLS allows us to gain help from other realtors to show your property and connect with their own prospect tenants. Essentially, a property listed on MLS gets a higher chance of finding a reliable resident. This comes with no additional charges on your fees.

How do I get started with Fox Real Estate Property Management?

1. Book a consultation to discuss your property and goals.
2. If we’re a good match, we’ll schedule a pre-inspection.
3. We’ll draft and sign the Property Management Agreement.
4. You’ll submit reserve funds and provide property keys.
5. If vacant, we’ll begin marketing your property for rent.

How is rent collection handled?

Rent payments are hassle-free through the Resident Center, with options for checking, debit, and credit cards. You are always informed of rental collection status through your own owner portal.

How do I get my rental income?

Rental owner funds are directly deposited into your bank account via EFT (electronic fund transfer.)

Who holds the tenant(s) security deposit?

Fox Real Estate will hold the security deposit in a CBC Bank non-commingled/non-interest bearing Trust Account.

How much is the security deposit?

An amount equal to one- or two-month’s rent, depending on credit.

How is the security deposit handled at move‑out?

We complete a detailed move‑out inspection and compare it to the move‑in report. Any damages, cleaning, unpaid rent, or other charges allowed by Georgia law are deducted from the security deposit. The final deposit disposition is processed within the legal timeframe, and all documentation is available in your owner portal.

What happens if a tenant is late paying?

We collect late fees and split the late fee with the owner 50:50.

Who signs the lease?

Fox Real Estate signs the lease on behalf of the property owner as the owner’s authorized agent. This allows us to approve tenants, execute leases, and manage the tenancy efficiently. Owners do not need to sign the lease directly. If a situation ever requires the owner’s signature, we will notify the owner in advance.

Can I see the lease agreement the tenant signs?

Yes. We use the standard Georgia Association of Realtors residential lease.

During onboarding, you’ll receive a copy of the standard lease for review. Before any lease is executed, we will notify you of the key deal terms — including rent amount, security deposit, lease length, and move-in date — so you stay fully informed.

Once signed, it is uploaded to your owner portal for easy access anytime.

How often does Fox Real Estate inspect my property?

Fox Real Estate conducts routine inspections to ensure the property is being properly maintained and to identify issues before they become costly repairs. We perform a move‑in inspection, periodic occupancy inspections, and a move‑out inspection. Additional inspections may be completed as needed based on maintenance concerns, tenant behavior, or owner requests. All inspection reports and photos are uploaded to your owner portal in Buildium for full transparency.

What does an inspection include?

Our inspections focus on the overall condition of the home, including HVAC filters, plumbing, electrical, appliances, safety devices, cleanliness, and any signs of damage or lease violations. We document findings with photos and notes so you have a clear record of the property’s condition.

How often do you replace smoke detectors?

Fox Real Estate ensures that smoke detectors are installed and functioning properly at move‑in, as required by Georgia law. After move‑in, tenants are responsible for replacing batteries and notifying us immediately if a smoke detector is not working. During inspections, we check smoke detectors to confirm they are present and operational. If a detector is missing, damaged, or non‑functional, it is repaired or replaced promptly to maintain safety and compliance.

Do you check carbon monoxide detectors?

Yes. If the property has gas appliances, a fireplace, or an attached garage, we verify that carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functioning. As with smoke detectors, tenants are responsible for reporting issues, and we ensure compliance during inspections.

What happens if a tenant disables a smoke detector?

Disabling or removing a smoke detector is a lease violation and a safety hazard. If we discover a disabled detector during an inspection or maintenance visit, it is corrected immediately and the tenant is charged for the repair. Repeated violations may result in further action, including lease enforcement.

How do you handle evictions?

Fox Real Estate manages the full eviction process on behalf of the property owner. This includes issuing required notices, filing the dispossessory action with the magistrate court, attending court as the owner’s authorized agent, coordinating with the sheriff, and managing the set‑out if necessary. If a case becomes legally complex or is escalated by the tenant (such as a counterclaim, jury trial request, or appeal), an attorney may be required. In those situations, the owner will be notified, and any attorney fees will be the responsibility of the owner.

Who pays for eviction expenses?

Eviction‑related costs are paid by the property owner up front. These may include the magistrate court filing fee, service fees, writ of possession, sheriff set‑out labor, rekeying, and any cleaning or repairs needed after possession is returned. All eviction expenses are simultaneously charged to the tenant’s ledger. If the tenant pays any portion of these charges—either during the eviction process or through collections—those funds are applied to reimburse the owner. This approach keeps the trust accounting accurate while ensuring the tenant remains financially responsible for the costs of the eviction.

What happens if the tenant pays after the eviction is filed?

If the tenant pays the full balance owed—including rent, late fees, and any applicable court costs—Fox Real Estate can dismiss the dispossessory action. Partial payments do not stop the eviction unless the owner specifically authorizes it. Any funds collected are applied to the tenant’s ledger, and the owner is reimbursed accordingly.

How quickly is the property turned and re‑rented after an eviction?

Fox Real Estate prioritizes rapid turnaround. After possession is returned, we coordinate cleaning, repairs, and any necessary maintenance as quickly as possible. Once the property is ready, it is photographed, listed, and marketed immediately to minimize vacancy time and restore rental income.

How does Fox Real Estate handle maintenance requests?

Fox Real Estate uses a professional maintenance system powered by Buildium. Tenants submit maintenance requests through their online portal, where they can describe the issue, upload photos, and track progress. Our team reviews each request, determines the appropriate response, and dispatches qualified vendors as needed. All communication, work orders, invoices, and updates are documented in the system for full transparency.

How quickly are maintenance issues addressed?

Urgent issues (such as water leaks, HVAC failures, or safety concerns) are handled immediately. Non‑urgent repairs are scheduled promptly based on vendor availability. Buildium allows us to track every step of the process, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks and owners can see the status of work at any time.

How do I approve repairs?

Fox Real Estate maintains a maintenance reserve in your trust account to cover routine repairs without delay. Our standard reserve is $350 per property, which aligns with South Georgia industry norms. This allows us to address common issues quickly and efficiently. For older homes or properties with higher maintenance needs, a reserve of $400–$500 may be required.

How are invoices handled?

All vendor invoices are uploaded to your owner portal in Buildium. You can view the invoice, the work order, photos (when available), and the payment record. This creates a complete, audit‑ready history of every repair performed on your property.

Do you charge a project management fee for repairs?

Yes. When Fox Real Estate coordinates work performed by outside vendors, we charge a project management fee equal to a percentage of the vendor’s invoice. This fee covers the time and oversight required to diagnose the issue, obtain estimates, schedule and coordinate vendors, verify completion, and document the work. The fee is disclosed before work begins except in emergencies where immediate action is required.

Can I use my own vendors?

You may use your preferred vendors as long as they are licensed, insured, and able to meet our scheduling and documentation requirements. If your vendor is unavailable or unable to respond promptly, we will dispatch one of our approved vendors to protect the property.

How do I track maintenance history?

Your Buildium owner portal includes a full maintenance log for your property. You can view past work orders, invoices, photos, and notes at any time. This provides a clear record of repairs, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance.

Can you pay property-related bills for me?

Yes, except for mortgages, insurance, and property taxes.

Can I require my property to remain smoke-free?

Yes. All properties we manage are smoke‑free. This protects your investment, reduces turnover costs, and keeps the home in better condition. We include this restriction in every lease we issue.

Do you leave utilities on between tenants?

Yes, we keep utilities active while a unit is vacant. Maintaining service ensures a smooth turnover, allows vendors to complete repairs efficiently, and helps protect the property.

Utilities will be transferred into Fox Real Estate, and any related costs will be reimbursed with the owner’s next payout.

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