Owner FAQs
Answers to your frequently asked questions
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Are you licensed?
Yes, Blue Horizon Property Management NC LLC is a fully licensed and insured property management company in ensuring compliance with North Carolina real estate and rental laws. -
Do I need a property manager?
If you want a stress-free rental experience, avoid late-night maintenance calls, and ensure steady rental income, then hiring us is a great choice!
If you want a hassle-free experience, professional resident screening, on-time rent collection, and property maintenance handled for you, then hiring a property manager is a great investment. If you want a stress-free rental experience, avoid late-night maintenance calls, and ensure steady rental income, then hiring us is a great choice!
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Does hiring a management company mean I won’t have any problems?
While we minimize risks, property management involves resident issues and maintenance needs. We handle these for you so you don’t have to! -
How do I get started?
Simply contact us! We’ll discuss your property, set up an initial inspection, and start marketing your rental. -
How soon can you start managing my property?
We can begin immediately! Once we complete the property onboarding process, including inspections, lease structuring, and marketing, we’ll start attracting residents. -
What types of properties do you manage?
We specialize in single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and multi-unit properties near Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River and Surrounding areas. -
How long of a lease do you sign?
We typically sign 12-month leases, but we also offer flexible lease options for military residents with PCS orders. -
How much security deposit do you charge the resident?
Deposits vary based on credit rating & rental amount. Per NC landlord-resident laws, we charge up to two months' rent for long-term leases and up to one and a half months for month-to-month leases. -
Who holds the resident security deposit?
We hold deposits in a legally compliant trust account, per North Carolina law. -
How is rent collection handled?
We offer online rent payments, automatic withdrawals, and in-office payments (Certified Cashier Check or Money Orders only Accepted) for convenience. -
Who keeps the late fees?
Late fees are used to cover the cost of enforcing the lease agreement and collection efforts. -
What happens if the resident doesn’t pay rent?
We follow a structured rent collection process, including notices and legal action if necessary. If eviction is required, we handle the process efficiently. -
How much does an eviction cost?
Legal fees vary, but North Carolina eviction costs typically range from $200-$500, plus any unpaid rent. -
What factors do you consider when doing a rental market analysis?
We assess local market trends, neighborhood demand, comparable rentals, and property features to price your home competitively while maximizing returns. -
How much security deposit do you charge the resident?
Per NC landlord-resident laws, we charge up to two months' rent for long-term leases and up to one and a half months for month-to-month leases. -
Can you put the money directly into my account?
Yes! We offer direct deposit for fast and secure rental income payments. -
How and when do I get my checks?
We process rental payments monthly. You’ll typically receive your funds via direct deposit between the 10th and 15th of each month, depending on resident payment timing. -
Do I have to pay a management fee if my property is vacant?
No! If you don’t get paid we don’t get paid. Our management fees are only charged when your property is rented. -
How do I access my financial reports?
You’ll receive monthly and annual financial statements via our owner portal. -
Can I view my financial statements online?
Yes! As a homeowner, you'll have 24/7 access to your financial statements, & Lease documents through our online owner portal. This includes:
- Monthly income & expense reports
- Year-end tax statements
- Maintenance invoices & work orders
- Lease agreements & resident payment history
We make it easy to track your rental property's performance from anywhere!
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How much money should be set aside to cover expenses?
We recommend keeping 3 to 6 months’ worth of expenses set aside for unforeseen costs. This includes:
- Routine Maintenance: Expect to spend about 1–2% of the property’s value annually.
- Emergency Repairs: HVAC, plumbing, or electrical issues can range from $250 to $2,500+.
- Turnover Costs: Cleaning, painting, and minor repairs can run $500–$2,000 between residents.
- Vacancy Reserves: Covering mortgage payments and utilities during resident turnover.
Planning ahead ensures your investment remains profitable and stress-free! Want a customized rental property expense breakdown? Let’s chat! 🚀
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What is the reserve money for?
A small reserve fund covers unexpected repairs or maintenance costs. -
Can you pay bills for me that are related to the property?
Yes! As your property manager, we can handle payments for:
- ✅ Mortgage (if allowed by your lender)
- ✅ HOA fees
- ✅ Property taxes
- ✅ Insurance premiums
- ✅ Utility bills (if applicable)
- ✅ Maintenance and repair expenses
We provide detailed financial reports, so you always know where your money is going. Let us take the stress out of bill management for you!
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Who collects the rent? When do I get paid?
We handle all rent collection, and you receive payments monthly via direct deposit. -
Can you deposit rent directly into my account?
Yes! We offer direct deposit for fast, secure rental income payments. -
How and when do I get paid?
Owner disbursements are processed on the 10th of each month, with direct deposits arriving within 1-5 business days. -
What financial reports do I receive?
- ✔ Monthly income & expense statements
- ✔ Year-end tax documents
- ✔ Maintenance & repair logs
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What if I want to cancel management?
We understand circumstances change. Our management agreement includes a fair termination policy with reasonable notice. -
Do residents pay for utilities?
Yes, unless otherwise agreed upon in the lease. -
How often are inspections done at my property?
This is based on the Custom Package we create for your needs. Here is examples of Inspections we conduct routine inspections, including:
- ✔ Move-in/move-out inspections
- ✔ Periodic interior & exterior inspections
- ✔ Annual maintenance evaluations
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What is the initial inspection?
Before a resident moves in, we document the property’s condition with detailed photos and reports to protect your investment. -
Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?
- ✔ Owners cover major property upkeep (roof, HVAC, structural repairs).
- ✔ Residents handle minor upkeep (changing air filters, lightbulbs, clogged drains by Resident).
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How Do We Handle Maintenance requests?
- ✔ Residents submit online maintenance requests
- ✔ We prioritize urgent repairs (e.g., HVAC Failures, flooding, major leaks)
- ✔ We coordinate with licensed and insured vendors to handle repairs promptly.
- ✔ We coordinate all repairs and ensure they’re done affordably and professionally.
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Do you handle emergency maintenance?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency maintenance support. -
Can I do my own repairs?
Yes, but all repairs must meet local housing codes and NC laws require repairs to be completed in a timely manner. If you prefer to handle maintenance, we can coordinate with you. -
Can I use my own contractors?
Yes! If you have preferred vendors,we will work with them as long as they meet NC licensing requirements. Otherwise, we use licensed & insured professionals for quality repairs. -
What happens if a resident has a maintenance problem?
Residents submit requests through our online portal or emergency hotline. We prioritize urgent repairs (e.g., flooding, HVAC failures). -
How do you market my rental property?
- ✔ Listed on top rental sites (Zillow, Apartments.com, MLS and Rental Platforms)
- ✔ Social media promotions
- ✔ Local military housing networks
- ✔ Professional photography & virtual tours
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Who pays for advertising?
Marketing is included in our property management services. -
How long will it take to rent my property?
Most properties rent within 2-4 weeks, depending on pricing, condition, and market demand. -
What if my property doesn’t rent quickly?
We adjust our marketing, assess pricing & our lease terms and suggest enhancements to attract quality residents while maximizing returns. -
What is the average turn-around between the departure of one resident and the placement of another?
On average, it takes 2 to 4 weeks to place a new resident after a resident moves out. This timeline depends on:
- ✔ Property condition – The faster repairs and cleaning are completed, the sooner we can list it.
- ✔ Market demand – High-demand seasons rent faster.
- ✔ Pricing strategy – A competitively priced rental will secure a resident more quickly. We use aggressive marketing, resident pre-screening, and online listings to minimize vacancy time and get your property re-rented ASAP.
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What information do you request from a Resident applicant?
We conduct a thorough screening including:
- ✔️ Credit checks/Criminal background checks
- ✔️ Employment & income verification
- ✔️ Rental history review & verification
- ✔️ Military orders check (For Service Members)
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Can I be involved in selecting a Resident?
We handle the screening process, but you can request final approval before lease signing. But we ensure all decisions comply with Fair Housing Laws. -
Do you provide a lease agreement?
Yes, we use North Carolina-compliant lease agreements designed to protect Owners & Residents. -
Can I use a home warranty company?
Yes, you can use a home warranty company for covered repairs, but keep in mind:
- Response times may be slower compared to our vetted vendors.
- Not all repairs are covered, and residents may experience delays in service.
- We can coordinate with your home warranty provider, but any service fees or denied claims will still need to be handled.
Would you like us to review your home warranty policy to ensure it aligns with our management services?
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Should I repaint the interior between residents?
A fresh coat of paint boosts appeal and can help attract higher-quality residents. We recommend fresh neutral-colored paint if walls show wear. We can also recommend cost-effective updates. -
Can I prohibit pets in the property?
Yes, but allowing pets can increase rental demand and reduce vacancy rates. If you allow pets, we require a non-refundable pet fee & pet rent. -
Can I prohibit smoking in the property?
Yes! Smoke-free policies can be written into the lease agreement. -
Can I prohibit children in the property?
No. Fair Housing Laws prohibit discrimination against families with children. -
Do you sell real estate too?
Yes! Whether you want to buy, sell, or expand your rental portfolio, we can help you. -
Will you inspect properties I am considering buying?
Yes! We offer rental property evaluations to help you assess potential investment properties. We analyze market rent potential, expected expenses, and long-term investment viability. However, for structural and mechanical inspections, we recommend hiring a licensed home inspector. -
Can you pay bills for me that are related to the property?
Yes! We can handle HOA fees, utilities, insurance, and property taxes on your behalf. -
Can personal items be left on the property?
We strongly recommend that owners remove all personal items from the property before renting it out. Leaving behind furniture, décor, or personal belongings can lead to:
- ✔ Increased liability risks (damage, theft, or resident injury related to your items)
- ✔ Potential disputes over responsibility for maintenance or replacement
- ✔ Higher turnover costs (items may need to be removed later at your expense)If you prefer to rent the property, we can discuss a furnished rental strategy to attract short-term or corporate residents.Property management companies typically do not take responsibility for any personal property left at the property. If you do leave personal property at the property, please accept that it may become damaged or go missing.
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How do you handle evictions?
- ✔ Issue legal notices & warnings
- ✔ File eviction paperwork if needed
- ✔ Coordinate with attorneys and the court system
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How much does an eviction cost?
Eviction costs vary, but in North Carolina, expect to pay around $150–$250 for court filing fees, plus additional legal and process server fees. If an attorney is required, legal costs can range from $500–$1,500. If the eviction goes to a full hearing or requires law enforcement for removal, costs may be higher.At Blue Horizon Property Management, we work hard to avoid evictions through thorough resident screening and proactive rent collection. However, if an eviction is necessary, we handle the entire legal process on your behalf.You would be responsible for the attorney and court fees. Blue Horizon Property Management also charges a fee of $500 to manage the process. If needed, court prep and appearance is billed at $85 per hour. The client is responsible for those charges, although we make every effort to recover it from the resident. -
Do I need insurance on the property?
Absolutely! Landlord insurance is a must. Standard homeowner's insurance does NOT cover rental properties. A landlord insurance policy (also called a dwelling policy) protects you from:
- ✔ Property damage (fire, storms, vandalism)
- ✔ Loss of rental income (if the home becomes uninhabitable due to covered damage)
- ✔ Liability claims (if a resident or guest is injured on the property)
Yes, a rental dwelling policy (RDP) or commercial policy with a minimum of $500,000 of liability coverage is required. Blue Horizon Property Management must be an additional insured on the policy (most insurers do not charge extra for this).We also require the Residents to carry there own Renters’ Insurance to cover their personal belongings and limit your liability. Need help finding the right insurance policy? We can recommend trusted providers! ✅
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What do you need from me to be successful?
To ensure a smooth and profitable rental experience, we ask for:
- ✔ Accurate Property Details – Any past maintenance issues, HOA rules, and special instructions.
- ✔ Property Readiness – A clean, well-maintained home attracts quality residents faster.
- ✔ Trust in Our Process – We use market data and proven strategies to maximize your return.
- ✔ Quick Communication – Prompt responses help us manage issues efficiently.
- ✔ Financial Reserves – A small reserve for unexpected maintenance keeps things running smoothly.
With your partnership, we’ll take care of the rest! 🚀 Ready to get started?
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How do I get started?
- ✔️ Contact Blue Horizon Property Management
- ✔️ Sign the management agreement
- ✔️ We handle everything else!
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Why Choose Blue Horizon Property Management?
Military Expertise – We understand PCS moves, BAH rates, and military Residents needs.
- 🔹 Full-Service Management – From Marketing, Leasing, Maintenance & Financials we handle it all.
- 🔹 Transparent Pricing – No hidden fees—just straightforward pricing.
- 🔹 Maximized Returns – We help Investors grow wealth & optimize Rental Pricing & Minimize vacancies.
- 🔹 Stress-Free Ownership – We take care of residents, repairs, & financials so you don’t have to.
- 🔹Owner-Focused Service – You get timely payments, financial reports, and worry-free management
📞 Ready to get started? Call us at 910-358-9228 to schedule a consultation & Free Rental market analysis! 🔑🏡
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What if I want to cancel management?
We understand circumstances change. Our management agreement includes a fair termination policy with reasonable notice.