TENANT – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do I need to do to apply to rent?

Any applicant, over the age of 18, can apply to rent. They will need to fill out an application form and pay a non-refundable fee of $35 per application. This fee must be received before the processing of the application begins.

I found a property I’m interested in. How do I arrange a showing?

You can refer to the contact information provided in the property listing. You can also call us at 843-800-6005 and we can schedule a showing for you. We have a team of dedicated and committed agents who will ensure you find the perfect home.

What do they mean by “sight unseen”?

Sight unseen refers to buying something without seeing it or without knowing what condition it is in. As far as rental properties are concerned, they cannot be rented without first being seen.

Any applicant who applies for a property without viewing it will not be approved. If you are unable to view the property yourself, you can ask a friend or family member to see it on your behalf.

Do I have to sign a lease?

Most rental properties require a 12-month lease. Lease agreements can be done electronically and as soon as the rental application is approved, the deposit is received and the lease is signed. You will be handed the keys to the property.

How much security deposit do I have to pay?

In most cases, the security deposit is equivalent to one month’s rent. This amount must be paid in full before you can get the go-ahead to move into your newly rented property.

When will my rent payments be due?

Rent payments must be made on the first day of each month. We do offer a grace period which is specified in your lease agreement. If your rent is not received by 5:00 pm on the last day of this grace period, you will be charged a late fee. This late fee will be due along with your monthly rent payment.

How do I make rent payments?

You can pay the rent either by mailing a money order or check to:

FYVE Property Management
PO Box 1195
Isle of Palms, SC  29451

You can also make a payment online by visiting our website Bridgepointsc.com. Simply log in to your Tenant account, view your balance and make the payment.

Do I still have to pay a late fee if I am a responsible tenant?

Every tenant has to pay late charges. Fair Housing Laws apply to everyone equally and there we cannot make any decisions whether one resident is more than the other. All late charges are enforced across the board.

How often is a rental increase and how much?

Rents are increased once the initial lease term expires. From thereon, any increase is based on market conditions, owner requests, and other similar factors.

Who do I contact for any maintenance issues or repairs?

All tenants are required to put in their repair requests in writing through the online Tenant Portal. Once received, the management team will go about resolving the issue and assigning a team member or vendor depending on the issue.

Who do I contact if I have a plumbing problem?

In case of any plumbing issues, the first thing you should do is turn off the water. You should then call our office immediately. In case the problem occurs after hours, you can call the main office line and leave a message. Our on-call property manager will get in touch with you as soon as possible.

What should I do if my smoke detector starts to beep?

Smoke detectors generally beep because of battery issues. You can simply change the battery by purchasing one from a local hardware store. Do not disconnect your smoke detector under any circumstances.

I am locked out of my apartment. What should I do? 

Lockouts are not considered an emergency. If such a thing happens after hours, you will be responsible for contacting a locksmith at your own expense. If it occurs during office hours, the property manager can let you in. However, there is a $65 charge for this service. We can also provide you a new set of keys in case you lose yours for a fee.

What is classified as an emergency?

Any situation that can result in harm or danger to the residents is classified as an emergency. Emergency situations can include a backed up sewer line and water coming into the unit; water leaking into the unit because of a broken pipe; no heating during weather conditions colder than 32 degrees and other similar scenarios.

Do I have to pay for any maintenance for my rental property?

Any damage that occurs because of the resident’s negligence or willful intention is the responsibility of the tenant. In addition, if you miss a scheduled service call by one of maintenance contractors, you may also be billed for that call.

What if there are special circumstances and I cannot continue or abide with my lease?

We do realize that people can go through financial difficulties, health problems or other special situations. However, we are legally bound to follow the lease agreement and while we sympathize with your situation, we cannot approve any exceptions to the lease agreement.

Can management or their representatives enter my home during my absence?

There are often situations where property managers or our maintenance staff may enter your unit while you are not at home. However, before doing so, they will alert you. As per the law, the Landlord is required to contact the tenant first before entering.

The only exception to this rule is during an emergency situation. Management staff may also enter your property if they are in the process of showing the property to prospective tenants, buyers, inspectors, lenders, insurance agents, appraisers or fire marshals.

Are all tenants required to get Renter’s Insurance?

Renter’s Insurance is not required by law but we highly recommend it. This insurance can prove very beneficial in case of a major event. Our lease agreements clearly state that any personal property of the tenant or any personal loss that you incur during your tenancy will not be covered by the owner’s insurance policy.

Who takes care of the lawn?

All tenants are required to take care of their lawn unless otherwise specified in your lease agreement. This includes watering the law, mowing, and weeding. If the grass dies, you may be required to re-sod the yard at your expense.

Is smoking permitted in the rental unit and property?

Smoking is not permitted in our units or anywhere on the rental property.

Is subleasing allowed?

Subleasing is not permitted. If you are interested in re-leasing your property, please speak to your property manager.

Can I have a roommate?

You can have a roommate but the applicant will have to be approved through our office application process. The same procedure will apply and the roommate will have to fill out the rental application, pay the application fee and undergo our screening process before being approved. If you or the prospective fail to do so, your lease may be terminated.

What should I do if the roommate moves out before the end of my lease?

If this happens, you should notify the property manager immediately. Since you were roommates, you are jointly responsible and liable to ensure that rent payments are made on time.

The property manager needs to be notified in writing and if you plan to substitute the roommate, you need to have written permission from your property manager to do so.

Can I keep a pet, get a pet after move-in or add a pet?

Any decisions regarding pets will be included in your lease agreement. Please contact our office to discuss whether keeping a pet, getting a pet or adding a pet is possible or not.

Can I paint my unit walls to another color?

Any such requests must be submitted to the office in writing as they require the owner’s approval.

Am I allowed to change or add locks?

No, this is absolutely not allowed to change the locks yourself. This is a serious violation of your lease.

Am I allowed to install a satellite dish?

Such approvals vary from property to property. You may contact your property manager to find out if you are allowed to do so.

What is the notice period in case I want to vacate the property?

All tenants are required to give a 30-day notice prior to the end of the lease date. This notice must be given in writing and should be received by our office prior to the last day of the month. Your 30 day notice period will begin the following month.

If you want to see common owner questions, click here.