Best Property Management Companies in Columbia, South Carolina

Looking for professional help with your short-term rental in Columbia? Here's a curated list of local property management companies that can help rental owners maximize their investment while minimizing headaches.

Top Property Management Companies in Columbia

Scott Properties

Operating since 2005, Scott Properties of the Midlands offers round-the-clock property management services with an impressive A+ BBB rating. They provide free home rental analysis to help owners understand their property's market position and potential, making them an excellent partner for Airbnb hosts seeking reliable, professional management in Columbia.

Scott Properties Features and Services

• 24/7 Property Maintenance & Repairs - Scott Properties provides round-the-clock maintenance services to address any property issues that arise. Their team ensures prompt responses to emergency situations, minimizing property damage and tenant dissatisfaction.
• Professional Advertising & Marketing - They implement comprehensive marketing strategies to showcase vacant properties effectively. Their professional approach ensures maximum visibility to potential tenants, reducing vacancy periods.
• Tenant Qualification Screening - Scott Properties conducts thorough screening processes including credit checks and background verification. Their AI-powered tenant screening software has proven to minimize bad debt and eviction filings.
• Semi-Annual Property Inspections - Regular property inspections are conducted to identify maintenance issues before they become costly problems. These inspections help maintain property value and ensure tenant compliance with lease terms.
• Online Client Income & Expense Reports - Property owners have 24/7 access to detailed financial reports. This transparency allows investors to track their property's performance from anywhere at any time.

Why We Like Scott Properties

Scott Properties stands out with their 100% satisfaction guarantee, which means clients aren't contractually bound if they're not completely satisfied with the service level. This client-first approach demonstrates their confidence in delivering exceptional property management services and their commitment to exceeding expectations every time without exception.

Scott Properties Pricing and Fees

Scott Properties charges a 10% monthly management fee based on gross rent collected, with no fee charged during vacancy periods. Their leasing fee is a flat $500, deducted from the first month's rent after tenant placement. They manage properties ranging from $800-$4,000 monthly rent and conduct property evaluations every five months at no additional cost. Unlike many competitors, Scott Properties does not mark up maintenance or repair costs, passing vendor discounts directly to property owners.

Scott Properties Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Responsive maintenance: Quick turnaround on repair requests, minimizing guest inconvenience.
2. Transparent pricing: Clear fee structure with no hidden costs, allowing for better financial planning.
3. Local market expertise: Deep understanding of Columbia's rental market, optimizing property performance.
4. Professional photography: High-quality listing photos that attract more potential guests.
5. 24/7 emergency support: Round-the-clock assistance for guests, enhancing their experience.

Cons:

• Higher management fees: Slightly more expensive than some competitors, potentially impacting profit margins.
• Strict tenant screening: May result in longer vacancy periods between bookings.
• Limited flexibility: Rigid policies may not suit all property owners' preferences.
• Occasional communication delays: Some owners report slow responses to non-urgent inquiries.
• Minimum property standards: May require upgrades or improvements before accepting management.

Who We Think Scott Properties is Best Suitable for:

Scott Properties is ideal for Airbnb hosts in Columbia who prioritize professional management and are willing to invest in quality service, particularly those with higher-end properties or multiple units seeking a hands-off approach.

Patton Properties

With over 40 years of experience, Patton Properties combines seasoned expertise with cutting-edge technology to create effective property management solutions. They focus on making investment property ownership painless and profitable, handling everything from tenant screening to maintenance, while ensuring owners receive timely payments and detailed financial reporting.

Patton Properties Features and Services

1. Experienced Management Team - With over 40 years in business since 1979, Patton Properties brings decades of local knowledge to property management. Their seasoned professionals understand the Columbia market intimately, providing valuable insights for property owners.
2. Comprehensive Property Management - They handle all aspects of rental property management from tenant screening to maintenance. Their full-service approach allows property owners to enjoy passive income without the day-to-day hassles.
3. Financial Reporting - Regular financial statements keep property owners informed about their investment performance. These detailed reports provide transparency and help owners make informed decisions.
4. Maintenance Coordination - Their team coordinates all property maintenance needs with trusted vendors. This service ensures properties remain in excellent condition, preserving their value and attractiveness to quality tenants.
5. Tenant Relations - They manage all tenant communications and concerns professionally. This service minimizes owner involvement while maintaining positive tenant relationships.

Why We Like Patton Properties

Patton Properties' longevity in the Columbia market since 1979 is their standout feature, providing them with unmatched local expertise and established vendor relationships. This extensive experience translates to efficient operations, better pricing on services, and a deep understanding of the local rental market dynamics that newer companies simply cannot match.

Patton Properties Pricing and Fees

Patton Properties offers management services with fees ranging from 8-12% of monthly rent, varying based on property type and number of units under management. Their leasing fee is 50% of the first month's rent for new tenant placement. Property inspections cost $50 each. With over 42 years in business and an A+ BBB rating, Patton Properties provides comprehensive management solutions tailored to fit the needs of every investor, from single-family homes to multi-unit properties.

Patton Properties Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Long-standing reputation: Over 40 years of experience in Columbia's property market.
• Comprehensive services: Handles all aspects from marketing to maintenance.
• Detailed financial reporting: Regular, transparent updates on property performance.
• Strong vendor relationships: Access to reliable, cost-effective maintenance services.
• Personalized approach: Tailored management strategies for each property.

Cons:

• Limited tech integration: May lack cutting-edge property management software.
• Focused on long-term rentals: Less experience with short-term rental market dynamics.
• Conservative marketing strategies: May not fully leverage modern digital marketing techniques.
• Potential for slower adoption of industry trends: Long-established practices may resist change.
• Higher fees for additional services: Some extra features come at a premium cost.

Who We Think Patton Properties is Best Suitable for:

Patton Properties is best suited for Columbia Airbnb hosts who value stability and traditional management approaches, especially those transitioning from long-term to short-term rentals or seeking a balance between both markets.

Soda City Rentals

Soda City Rentals lives up to their motto "Landlord Life Made Easy" with comprehensive property management services. They excel in tenant screening, on-time rent collection, and strategic marketing. Their professional photography services showcase properties in the best light, while their full-time staff handles all the day-to-day operations so owners don't have to.

Soda City Rentals Features and Services

1. Professional Photography - Soda City Rentals hires professional photographers to capture your property in the best possible light. These high-quality images significantly improve listing appeal and attract more potential tenants.
2. Comprehensive Tenant Screening - Their thorough application process includes credit reports, national background checks, eviction record verification, employment confirmation, and reference checks from previous landlords. They require tenants to show three times the monthly rental amount in gross income, ensuring financially stable renters.
3. 24/7 Emergency Maintenance - While their normal business hours are Monday through Friday, they provide an emergency line for tenants to call after hours and on weekends. This ensures immediate attention to urgent maintenance issues that could damage your property.
4. Strong Online Marketing - They utilize online listings and maintain a strong social media presence to ensure maximum visibility for available properties. Their marketing strategy casts a wide net to reach clients searching for homes in the Columbia area.
5. Dedicated Full-Time Staff - With a full-time staff focused solely on property management, they handle all the day-to-day operations. This specialized team takes care of all the "grunt work" so property owners don't have to.

Why We Like Soda City Rentals

Soda City Rentals' standout feature is their professional photography service, which showcases properties in the most attractive light possible. This investment in quality visual marketing significantly reduces vacancy periods by making listings stand out in a crowded marketplace, ultimately maximizing rental income for property owners while minimizing the time properties sit empty.

Soda City Rentals Pricing and Fees

Soda City Rentals currently offers a special promotion of $500 off the first month's rent for new leases signed by March 31, 2025. While their exact management fee structure isn't publicly listed, they provide comprehensive services including professional photography, tenant screening, and 24/7 emergency maintenance. Based on customer feedback in Columbia, you can expect management fees between 8-10% of monthly rent and a leasing fee of approximately 50-75% of the first month's rent.

Soda City Rentals Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Local market specialization: Deep understanding of Columbia's unique rental landscape.
• Strong online presence: Effective digital marketing strategies for increased visibility.
• Comprehensive tenant screening: Thorough vetting process to ensure quality guests.
• Flexible management options: Customizable services to suit different host needs.
• Proactive maintenance approach: Regular property inspections to prevent issues.

Cons:

• Limited portfolio size: May have less negotiating power with vendors compared to larger companies.
• Potential for growing pains: Rapidly expanding company may face operational challenges.
• Higher marketing fees: Premium charged for advanced marketing services.
• Seasonal fluctuations: Performance may vary significantly during off-peak periods.
• Less experience with luxury properties: May not cater as well to high-end Airbnb listings.

Who We Think Soda City Rentals is Best Suitable for:

Soda City Rentals is ideal for Columbia Airbnb hosts looking for a local, tech-savvy management company that understands the city's short-term rental market and can provide personalized attention to their properties.

The Shandon Group

Managing properties since 1992, The Shandon Group handles everything from single-family homes to commercial properties. Their comprehensive services include application processing, credit checks, rent collection, maintenance, 24-hour emergency services, and detailed monthly accounting statements. Their experienced team prides itself on attention to detail and exceptional service.

The Shandon Group Features and Services

1. Application Processing and Credit Checks - The Shandon Group conducts thorough tenant screening including credit checks to ensure quality renters. This comprehensive vetting process helps secure reliable tenants who pay on time and take care of your property.
2. 24-Hour Emergency Services - They provide round-the-clock emergency response for urgent property issues. This immediate attention to critical problems protects your investment from potentially costly damage.
3. Monthly Owner Checks & Accounting Statements - Property owners receive regular financial reports detailing income and expenses. These transparent statements keep you informed about your property's financial performance.
4. Legal Eviction Proceedings - When necessary, they handle the entire eviction process according to South Carolina law. Their expertise in this area ensures proper procedures are followed, protecting owners from potential legal complications.
5. Maintenance & Repair Management - They coordinate all types of maintenance and repairs to keep properties in excellent condition. Their established vendor relationships ensure quality work at competitive prices.

Why We Like The Shandon Group

The Shandon Group's most impressive feature is their extensive experience managing properties since 1992, with a team that brings decades of combined expertise to every property they manage. This long-standing presence in the Columbia market has allowed them to develop efficient systems and strong vendor relationships that translate to exceptional service for both property owners and tenants, as evidenced by their numerous positive testimonials.

The Shandon Group Pricing and Fees

The Shandon Group offers competitive pricing with management fees typically ranging from 8-10% of monthly rent collected, though exact rates aren't standardized as it depends on your rental needs. They manage properties ranging from $1,050 to $3,600 per month across Columbia. Their services include application processing, credit checks, 24-hour emergency services, monthly owner checks, accounting statements, legal eviction proceedings, and maintenance management. With 33 years of experience, they provide services throughout South Carolina.

The Shandon Group Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Extensive local knowledge: Deep understanding of Columbia's neighborhoods and rental trends.
• Diverse property portfolio: Experience managing various property types, from apartments to houses.
• Strong tenant relations: Positive reputation among renters, potentially leading to repeat bookings.
• Efficient maintenance coordination: Quick response times for property issues.
• Transparent communication: Regular updates and accessible staff for property owners.

Cons:

• Limited focus on short-term rentals: Primary experience in long-term leases may affect Airbnb performance.
• Traditional marketing approaches: May not fully leverage modern digital marketing strategies.
• Higher management fees: Premium pricing for their comprehensive services.
• Potential for slower tech adoption: May lag behind in implementing the latest property management software.
• Less flexibility in contract terms: Standardized agreements may not suit all Airbnb hosts' needs.

Who We Think The Shandon Group is Best Suitable for:

The Shandon Group is best suited for Columbia Airbnb hosts who own properties in established neighborhoods and prefer a traditional, relationship-based approach to property management with a strong local presence.

Landmark Resources (Property Management)

Established in 1983, Landmark Resources is a locally owned and operated company with a simple mission: providing clients with effective tools for their real estate endeavors. While they initially specialized in condos and townhomes, their knowledge, work ethic, and attentiveness to individual client needs has expanded their services to include various property types.

Landmark Resources Features and Services

1. Expert Market Analysis - Landmark Resources provides detailed market analysis for each property they manage. This data-informed approach helps maximize your return on investment by setting optimal rental rates.
2. Comprehensive Tenant Screening - They conduct extensive screening on all potential tenants before approval. This thorough vetting process helps secure reliable, responsible tenants for your property.
3. Reliable Rent Collection - Their system ensures timely rent collection and deposit into your account. Property owners no longer need to worry about chasing payments or dealing with late rent issues.
4. Detailed Move-In/Move-Out Inspections - They document property condition at both move-in and move-out to protect your investment. These detailed inspections help prevent disputes and ensure tenants are held accountable for any damages.
5. Comprehensive Financial Reporting - Their detailed financial reporting tools make it easy to monitor your investment performance. Property owners can access statements through an online portal to stay informed about their property's financial status.

Why We Like Landmark Resources

Landmark Resources' standout feature is their comprehensive financial reporting tools with owner portal access, providing unprecedented transparency and convenience for property investors. This technology-forward approach allows owners to monitor their investment performance in real-time, access important documents, and stay informed about their property's financial health without having to make phone calls or wait for monthly statements.

Landmark Resources Pricing and Fees

Landmark Resources' pricing structure isn't available on their site, but based on past customer comments their management fees fall within the 8-10% industry standard for Columbia. They charge a one-time administrative fee of $150 and an application fee of $50. Their comprehensive services include market analysis, tenant screening, rent collection, detailed move-in/move-out inspections, and comprehensive financial reporting with owner portal access.

Landmark Resources Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive market analysis: Detailed insights for optimal pricing strategies.
• Efficient tenant screening: Thorough vetting process to ensure quality guests.
• Regular property inspections: Proactive maintenance to prevent issues.
• Detailed financial reporting: Transparent and regular updates on property performance.
• Strong local network: Established relationships with vendors for cost-effective services.

Cons:

• Mixed reviews on communication: Some reports of delayed responses to owner inquiries.
• Limited experience with short-term rentals: Primary focus on long-term leases.
• Potential for high staff turnover: May affect consistency in service quality.
• Less tech-forward: May not utilize the latest property management technologies.
• Rigid fee structure: Less flexibility in tailoring services to individual host needs.

Who We Think Landmark Resources is Best Suitable for:

Landmark Resources is best suited for Columbia Airbnb hosts who prioritize comprehensive market analysis and detailed financial reporting, particularly those with properties in areas popular for both short-term and long-term rentals.

Columbia Property Management

Columbia Property Management manages numerous rental properties throughout Columbia, from government housing to executive properties. They offer professional office staff and comprehensive property oversight, though reviews suggest verifying their fee structure and deposit policies. Their experience in the Columbia market provides valuable local insights for property owners.

Columbia Property Management Features and Services

1. 24/7 Customer Service - Columbia Property Management offers round-the-clock availability to assist customers with their property management needs. This constant accessibility ensures that urgent issues are addressed promptly, regardless of when they occur.
2. Local Market Expertise - Founded by Columbia native Rebecca Fouché, they bring deep insight into local rental markets. This local knowledge provides a vital advantage when matching renters with properties and setting appropriate rental rates.
3. In-Person Property Showings - They conduct personal, onsite showings of rental properties to prospective tenants. This hands-on approach helps match the right tenants with the right properties more effectively than self-showings.
4. Diverse Property Management - They manage various property types including houses, duplexes, condominiums, and apartments throughout greater Columbia. This versatility makes them suitable for investors with different types of rental properties.
5. Extensive Service Area - Their management services cover downtown Columbia, the Vista, Shandon, Rosewood, Forest Acres, Fort Jackson area, Northeast Richland County, Lugoff/Elgin, St. Andrews, and Irmo. This broad coverage allows investors with properties in different neighborhoods to work with a single management company.

Why We Like Columbia Property Management

Columbia Property Management's most impressive feature is their 24/7 availability for both owners and tenants, ensuring someone is always accessible to handle emergencies or urgent situations. This round-the-clock service provides peace of mind to property owners knowing that their investment is being monitored and maintained at all times, while tenants appreciate the responsiveness that contributes to higher satisfaction and retention rates.

Columbia Property ManagementPricing and Fees

Columbia Property Management doesn't publicly share their fee structure, but reviews indicate they charge competitive rates of 8-10% with potential fees for early lease termination (around $100). They provide 24/7 customer service and manage various property types throughout greater Columbia, including downtown, Shandon, Rosewood, and Forest Acres.

Columbia Property Management Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Local market expertise: Deep understanding of Columbia's rental landscape.
• 24/7 customer service: Round-the-clock support for guests and property owners.
• Diverse property portfolio: Experience managing various property types in Columbia.
• In-person property showings: Personal touch in guest acquisition process.
• Extensive service area: Coverage across greater Columbia region.

Cons:

1. Mixed reviews on responsiveness: Some reports of delayed communication.
2. Potential hidden fees: Complaints about unexpected charges.
3. Limited focus on short-term rentals: Primary experience in long-term leases.
4. Inconsistent maintenance quality: Varying reports on repair efficiency.
5. Less transparent pricing: Some difficulty in obtaining clear fee structures.

Who We Think Columbia Property Management is Best Suitable for:

Columbia Property Management is best suited for Airbnb hosts in Columbia who value local expertise and hands-on management, particularly those with properties across different neighborhoods in the greater Columbia area.

PURE Property Management

PURE Property Management combines local expertise with national standards, managing over 25,000 properties nationwide. Their Columbia team brings decades of local experience while leveraging cutting-edge property technology to streamline operations. With 24/7 emergency response and comprehensive investor reporting, they focus on maximizing returns while handling all the details.

PURE Property Management Features and Services

1. Full-Service Management - PURE provides complete oversight from leasing to maintenance for rental properties. Their comprehensive approach ensures every aspect of your property is professionally managed for optimal performance.
2. 24/7 Emergency Response - Their team is available around the clock to address urgent property issues. This immediate attention to emergencies ensures the safety of residents and protects your property from extensive damage.
3. Routine Maintenance - They conduct regular, scheduled maintenance to keep properties in peak condition. This proactive approach prevents minor issues from becoming major problems and preserves your property's value.
4. Detailed Investor Reporting - Property owners receive comprehensive, regular updates on their property's performance. These reports provide insights into financial health, occupancy rates, and maintenance activities.
5. Advanced Property Technology - PURE leverages cutting-edge property management technology developed by fintech and AI pioneers. This technological edge helps protect your asset and consistently deliver high returns on investment.

Why We Like PURE Property Management

PURE Property Management's most impressive feature is their integration of advanced property technology ("proptech") with local expertise, creating a unique hybrid of high-tech efficiency and personalized service. This innovative approach streamlines operations while maintaining the human touch, allowing them to manage over 25,000 properties nationwide with consistent quality and deliver both efficient processes and satisfying experiences for property owners.

PURE Property Management Pricing and Fees

PURE Property Management charges a 10% monthly management fee and a leasing fee of 50% of the first month's rent for tenant placement. They offer full-service management with customized quotes based on individual property needs. With over 25,000 properties under management nationwide, PURE combines local expertise with advanced property technology ("proptech") to deliver efficient service. Their comprehensive approach includes 24/7 emergency response, routine maintenance, and detailed investor reporting.

PURE Property Management Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Advanced property technology: Utilizes cutting-edge software for efficient management.
2. Nationwide expertise: Leverages broad market knowledge for local strategy.
3. Comprehensive investor reporting: Detailed, regular updates on property performance.
4. 24/7 emergency response: Round-the-clock support for guests and properties.
5. Scalable services: Suitable for hosts with single or multiple properties.

Cons:

1. Less local market specialization: May lack deep Columbia-specific insights.
2. Potential for less personalized service: Large-scale operations may limit individual attention.
3. Higher fees: Premium pricing for comprehensive, tech-driven services.
4. Standardized processes: May lack flexibility for unique property needs.
5. Newer to the Columbia market: Less established local reputation and relationships.

Who We Think PURE Property Management is Best Suitable for:

PURE Property Management is ideal for tech-savvy Airbnb hosts in Columbia who prioritize data-driven management and are looking for scalable solutions, especially those with multiple properties or plans for expansion.

Empire Property Management

Empire Property Management has built a reputation as one of Columbia's most respected and trusted property management companies. They focus on three pillars: maintaining properties to the highest standards, treating both owners and tenants with dignity, and completing transactions promptly. Their commitment to integrity and transparency creates peace of mind for property owners.

Empire Property Management Features and Services

1. Property Marketing - Empire Property Management provides comprehensive marketing services including signage, internet advertising, and website listings. Their strategic approach ensures maximum visibility for your rental property, reducing vacancy periods.
2. Thorough Tenant Screening - They conduct detailed screening processes to find reliable, responsible tenants. This careful selection helps minimize problems and ensures steady rental income.
3. Regular Property Inspections - Their team performs systematic property inspections to maintain high standards. These inspections help identify maintenance needs early and ensure tenants are complying with lease terms.
4. Comprehensive Property Accounting - They provide detailed financial tracking and reporting for property owners. This transparent accounting gives you clear visibility into your investment's performance.
5. Online Owner and Tenant Portals - Both property owners and tenants have access to convenient online portals. These digital platforms streamline communication and provide easy access to important information and documents.

Why We Like Empire Property Management

Empire Property Management's commitment to their three pillars of success—maintaining properties to the highest standards, treating both owners and tenants with dignity and respect, and completing transactions promptly—creates a foundation of integrity that permeates all aspects of their service. This principled approach has earned them a reputation as one of Columbia's most respected and trusted property management companies, providing peace of mind to property owners who value ethical business practices and transparent operations.

Empire Property Management Pricing and Fees

Empire Property Management charges 8-10% of gross monthly rent, with lower rates (8%) for multiple units or high-value properties and higher rates (10%) for single units. Their comprehensive service package includes property marketing, tenant screening, maintenance, inspections, property accounting, and online owner/tenant portals. Additional fees include a $75 in-person lease signing fee, $50 lease modification fee, and $75 walk-through fee. They conduct regular six-month cycle inspections and monthly property drive-bys as part of their standard service.

Empire Property Management Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Military-friendly policies: Tailored services for military property owners.
2. Comprehensive property care: Treats managed properties as their own.
3. Proactive communication: Regular updates on property status and performance.
4. Flexible lease terms: Accommodates both short-term and long-term rentals.
5. Strong online presence: Effective digital marketing for increased visibility.

Cons:

1. Mixed reviews on responsiveness: Some reports of delayed communication.
2. Limited focus on luxury properties: May not cater as well to high-end Airbnb listings.
3. Potential for high staff turnover: May affect consistency in service quality.
4. Less transparent pricing: Some difficulty in obtaining clear fee structures.
5. Limited use of advanced property management technology: May lag in tech adoption.

Who We Think Empire Property Management is Best Suitable for:

Empire Property Management is best suited for Columbia Airbnb hosts who value personalized service and flexibility, particularly military personnel or those catering to the military community in the area.

Wrapping Things Up

The right property management company can transform your rental venture from a time-consuming side hustle into a truly great investment. While each company in Columbia offers unique strengths, the best choice ultimately depends on your specific needs, property type, and management style preferences. Take time to interview multiple companies, ask about their experience with short-term rentals specifically, and trust your instincts—your future self (and your profit margins) will thank you.