Question 1

What are your fees?

Accepted Answer

Tenant Placement fees range between 50%-100% of one months rent.

For Full Service, the monthly management fee is typically between 8-10% of the monthly rents. You will also pay a set-up fee, which is variable based on the location and assigned manager.

Question 2

How do you choose tenants?

Accepted Answer

As per law, all applications are reviewed on a first-completed-first-served basis. During the application process, we will verify income, employment, rental history, credit conditions, background, and eviction history. Once we have applicants that meet our standards, you will be notified for your final approval. We follow all Fair Housing Guidelines and will not disqualify any applicant based on their age, familial status, disability, race or color, religion, national origin, source of income, sex, or gender identity.

Question 3

How do you handle maintenance and repairs?

Accepted Answer

Upon signing up with Equity PM, you will have the ability to choose your notification amount. We receive discounts from third party vendors (plumbers, HVAC companies, painters, etc) however, you are NOT required to use our vendors. We will coordinate with a vendor of your choice at no additional cost. We also work regularly with home warranty companies. We understand that maintenance and repairs are the #1 issue that can make or break your experience with us, which is why it is our goal to operate with full transparency.

Question 4

Do you do inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Interior inspections are done twice per year. You will have access to an inspection report with photos.

Question 5

Do you handle evictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Although to date, our eviction rate is very low at 1.2%. We retain an attorney that provides discounted rates. The initial eviction cost is determined by the law office filing the eviction and is typically covered by the tenant's deposit. Our attorney works to prevent evictions and hearings, as our main goal in any legal action is to reduce cost and liability to you.

Question 6

How much is the security deposit, and who holds it?

Accepted Answer

The security deposit is typically equal to one months rent. Where allowed by state law, this can be increased based on the tenants computer generated application rating or if they are considered high risk. We hold the security deposit in accordance with state regulations on trust accounts. You have no liability for the security deposit.

Question 7

Who takes care of landscaping and exterior maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Tenants are generally responsible for landscaping on single-family properties, however we do not allow tenants to handle the winterization of systems, setting sprinkler timers, or maintenance of swamp coolers. You will receive email notifications in the spring and winter where you can opt-in for shut down or start up services.

Question 8

What is your accounting schedule?

Accepted Answer

We do accounting all month long. You receive your rental payment within 5 business days of Equity receiving full rent and paying out any expenses against the property. Payment is direct deposited into the bank account of your choosing. You also have 24/7 access to financials, documents, and maintenance requests online.

Question 9

What kind of insurance do I need?

Accepted Answer

You are required to provide a homeowner rental policy on the property which is less expense than a regular insurance policy. Please get in contact with your insurance provider. The tenant is required to provide a rental policy during their tenancy which covers their possessions, damages caused by the tenant, and displacement due to maintenance.

Question 10

Do I have to accept pets? What about service animals?

Accepted Answer

Allowing pets is entirely up to you, although it is important to note that 75% of renters do have pets (the majority being a small sized dog). You have full discretion over the breed, weight, and quantity or if you do not want to allow them at all. Deposits and monthly pet fees are charged to renters, typically a $350 pet deposit and $50 pet fee.

If a tenant has an approved support animal, you must accept this animal by law and cannot charge a deposit or monthly fees. Tenant is still fully responsible for damages and lease violations both during their tenancy and after move out.

Question 11

What is the average turnaround time for vacancies?

Accepted Answer

Right now, pricing is everything. If we're listed in the average range of comparable properties, the turnaround time is between 2-3 weeks. However, we list at your motivation. We keep track of all inquiries on your property and if we are not receiving the average or more, we will work with you on adjusting the price weekly until leased.

Question 12

How do you assess the home for damages when a tenant moves out?

Accepted Answer

Upon move-out, we will conduct a thorough move out inspection. This inspection is compared to the move-in inspection(s) and any items beyond normal wear and tear that are not noted on the move-in inspection will be charged against the security deposit. Tenants are responsible for cleaning and carpet cleaning.

Question 13

What does a property manager actually do?

Accepted Answer

We handle the end-to-end work of managing your rental — marketing the property, screening applicants, signing leases, collecting rent, coordinating maintenance, performing inspections, handling tenant communications, managing legal notices when needed, processing move-outs and security deposit returns, and providing detailed monthly accounting to you.

Question 14

What's included in Full-Service Property Management?

Accepted Answer

Listing the property, advertising on 20+ major rental sites, scheduling and conducting showings, screening applicants (credit, background, income, rental history), preparing and signing the lease, collecting rent and security deposit, coordinating maintenance and repairs, performing move-in and bi-annual interior inspections, managing the move-out process and security deposit return, providing 24/7 owner and tenant portals, handling tenant communications and disputes, serving legal notices through our third-party process server when needed, providing monthly financial statements, paying your HOA dues and utilities from rent proceeds, and providing 1099s and tax documentation at year-end.

Question 15

Why work with EPM specifically?

Accepted Answer

We're the property management division of Equity Real Estate, one of the most established real estate brokerages in our markets. We provide professional licensed agents, comprehensive software (Buildium for accounting, Dotloop for paperwork, HappyCo for inspections, Rentometer for market analysis), in-house legal counsel, errors and omissions insurance, and back-office support — all backing your individual property manager.

Question 16

What's NOT included?

Accepted Answer

We don't pay your mortgage, property taxes, or property insurance. We don't make capital improvements or renovations without your authorization. We don't act as your legal counsel — for legal questions, you'll work with your own attorney.

Question 17

Do you offer Tenant Placement only?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you prefer to manage your own property but want help finding and placing a qualified tenant, we offer Tenant Placement Services as a one-time service. We'll market the property, screen applicants, and sign the lease — then management responsibilities return to you.

Question 18

Are there other fees I should know about?

Accepted Answer

Common additional fees include a one-time setup fee for new properties, a leasing or turnover fee when a new tenant moves in, lease renewal fees, and inspection fees. All fees are agreed to in your Management Agreement before you sign. There are no hidden surprises.

Question 19

Can I do my own repairs?

Accepted Answer

We strongly discourage it. Owner-performed repairs create liability issues, complicate insurance claims, and often slow down resolution. Our vendor network is faster, accountable, and properly insured. If you have a specific reason to do work yourself, talk with your property manager about your specific situation.

Question 20

What's an emergency repair?

Accepted Answer

Fire damage, flooding, gas leaks, no heat in winter, no working water, sewer backup, active mold, or unsafe lockouts. For these, we act first and notify you immediately. Standard repairs follow normal authorization procedures.

Question 21

What happens if a tenant doesn't pay rent?

Accepted Answer

We send a courtesy reminder when rent is late, then with your approval issue an official Pay or Quit notice through our third-party process server if rent remains unpaid. The notice gives the tenant a state-required window to pay or vacate. If neither happens, we'll discuss eviction options with you.

Question 22

What if I want to sell my property?

Accepted Answer

We have a clear Property Sale Procedure. There are typically three paths: sell to the existing tenant (cleanest), sell with the tenant in place (lease transfers to new owner), or terminate the lease and sell vacant (requires tenant cooperation or lease end). Your property manager will walk you through the right path for your situation.

Question 23

Can my property manager also list the property for sale?

Accepted Answer

Yes — your property manager is a licensed Equity Real Estate agent and can represent you in the sale, or we can refer you to another Equity agent if you prefer. The Management Agreement automatically terminates upon transfer of title.

Question 24

How do I onboard a new property?

Accepted Answer

Contact your property manager or Contact us at 801-545-4302 or epmagent@equitypmusa.com. We'll walk through your goals, schedule a property visit, complete the Management Agreement and required addendums, run a market analysis to set rent, prepare the listing, and start finding a qualified tenant. The full onboarding process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks once paperwork is signed.

Question 25

What documents will I need at onboarding?

Accepted Answer

Your tax information, Bank account information, a copy of any HOA documents and rules, your property's insurance declaration page, keys and key copies, utility account information, and any existing lease if you're transferring an occupied property.

Question 26

Do you manage in my state?

Accepted Answer

EPM operates in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. If your state is on this list, we can help. If not, contact us anyway — we may have updates or can refer you.

Question 27

How do I get in touch?

Accepted Answer

Phone: 801-545-4302
Email: office@equitypmusa.com
Website: www.equitypmusa.com
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Mountain Time
For after-hours emergencies on a managed property: 801-545-4302 ext. 9

Frequently asked questions