Rental Management Program - Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  How will you set the rental rate?

Rental Rates are set between October and December each year, and are monitored and adjusted throughout the year on an ongoing and ‘as needed’ basis.  For all properties – Homes, Villas & Cottages, we assign pricing based on Quality Ratings (Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze), the property's location & views as well as features, size and supporting amenities. Our goal is to maximize occupancy for each rental property, booking at the highest dollar value the market will bear for a particular week and month.  Our in-depth analysis of competitor rates and spot checks on those throughout the year ensure that we keep our pricing in line with the competition.  Our weekly analysis of booking patterns and adjustments to pricing ensure that we keep up with changes in the market demand.

Q.  How do you ensure that I will not be “nickeled and dimed to death” with charges?

We offer a very extensive and cost effective annual contract that specifically addresses this problem.  For a modest annual fee, Owners have the option of getting our “Minor Maintenance & Housewares Replacement Contract”. This contract covers parts and labor for a long list of generally used services. We subsidize the cost of this contract and know of no other in the industry that covers so much at such a fair cost.  Please contact Kelli Brown to understand what i’s covered; you will see why we recommend it.  In addition, we carefully monitor the cost of services provided by our competition, and strongly believe that we offer the best level of service at the best value.

Q.  Can I limit the number of people occupying my unit?

Yes.  We adhere to strict Town of Kiawah limitations on the maximum number of renters per property, but as long as you remain at or below the approved level for your property, we will market your home or villa accordingly.

Q. Can I set my own rental rates?

Yes. Our rates are based on our goal of maximizing your property’s occupancy potential.  We understand that some owners may have different goals, and we will do everything in our power to work with you to meet your rental objectives.

Q.  How will you ensure that my property is properly maintained?

Each property in our rental program is assigned a Property Manager and an Inspector to personally oversee housekeeping, maintenance, refurbishing and related services.  Your property is inspected after departure by our very experienced staff.

Q.  What level of communication can I expect from you?

Each month, we will send you a monthly statement along with a list of all advance reservations scheduled, a check for payment for reservations that departed in the previous month, and a rental statement itemizing the income and expenses.  Occasionally, newsletters will be emailed from our management team.  These include information ranging from ResortQuest news and area events, to reminders about services, to helpful articles pertaining to vacation rental management and property ownership.  Of course, your Property Manager will be communicating with you on a regular basis.  Should you need to contact us, your Property Manager will be your primary point of contact.  Their job is to interface with you, to understand what level of service you want, and to make sure we are providing the management you desire.

Q.  If I rent the property myself? What level of service will you extend?

We will provide house keys, security passes, a map of the island, current activity guides and provide clear directions to the property.  We do require all Guests, including Guests of Owners, to register at our front desk.  All first time visitors will be shown where the amenities and restaurants are located.  If you wish, we can also send confirmations to your Guests with traveling instructions and even collect rental payments from them. You determine what level of services you need on a reservation by reservation basis.  To keep you from having to file monthly sales tax returns, we even give you the option of having ResortQuest collect the sales and accommodations taxes from the Guest and remit it to the state.   By having us collect the sales/accommodation tax you are relieved of filing monthly SC sales tax reports (which have to be filed monthly whether or not you had a rental).

Q.  How can I make sure my property is available for a potential renter?

Our website features a Homeowner Login page. Using this login, you can check your property’s availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You can also use this tool to book stays for yourself or friends.  In addition, our Front Desk and Reservations departments are open every day from 7:30am till 6pm, year round and are conveniently located in Freshfields Village.  They are always happy to provide up-to-date information on availability for Owners who would rather speak to a live person than use the website.

Q. Why shouldn’t I use the rental program run by the owner of the Island’s amenities?

We are able to devote 100% of our time looking after your best interests.  Our only profit center is privately-owned lodging, so our management time is not spent planning new hotels or trying to maximize the revenue for our hotels or from our golf courses, meeting space, or restaurants (all revenue the operator does not have to split with the homeowner). Simply said, we don’t compete with you. We work for you. We do not restrict an Owner’s personal use in the summer months.

Our ability to produce occupancy is evidenced by years of success on Kiawah Island.  Our company is the oldest and largest property management company on Kiawah!

We have been serving homes and villas in this market over 31 years.  Our secret is to exclusively focus on our rental operation every day, year in and year out.

Q.  What level of control do you have over the access to my property?

We give you the option of using electronic locks and we highly recommend you do so.  Not only do these locks control who has access to your property, but they retain in their memory who has most recently been in your property. 

If you do not want to use electronic locks, standard locks with metal keys are used.  All of our keys are coded so that if a Guest loses one, it is not a security risk.  The key tag does not show the address of the property.  Housekeepers are not given keys. Please note that we give you keys to your property and do not require you to check-in at the front desk as we do NOT restrict owner’s usage even during peak summer months!

Should you have additional questions, please either email Kelli Brown, or give her a call at 1-888-299-8419 or 1-843-768-5002...or simply stop by the Resortquest Front Desk in Freshfields Village!