Owner FAQ

Getting Started

• What types of properties do you specialize in?
• What is the process?
• Is there a cancellation fee if I decide to terminate the contract?
• What is the difference between the Standard and Premium packages?
• Can I review a sample management agreement?
• What is your average time to fill vacancies?

Leasing and Showings

• How do you conduct showings?
• Why should I be comfortable with self-tours for my property?
• Why do you charge an additional fee if self-tours are not allowed?
• Do you pay a renter’s agent commission?
• What is your tenant screening process and how do you qualify residents?
• Why don’t you list my rental property on the MLS?

Financials and Fees

• Other companies don’t charge for maintenance coordination. Why does RPM charge this fee?
• Do you charge fees when my home is vacant?
• What is a contingency fund?
• Where does the contingency fund go?
• How much should the contingency fund be?
• When is the owner draw dispersed?
• How are late payments handled?
• When do you charge a late fee?
• Why do owners pay HOA fees when the tenant gets the benefits?

Property Care

• Can you do rehab and maintenance work?
• What if I have a home warranty?
• Can I use my own handyman or vendor to avoid the coordination fee?
• Are there inspection fees when a tenant vacates the property?
• What if we have a pool?

Protection and Legal

• Do I need different homeowners’ insurance?
• Why don’t you have an eviction and pet guarantee?
• What is SureVestor ProtectionPlus?
• Do we have to accept Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals?
• Can I rent my home if I have an FHA loan and it has not yet been a year?
• Do you require renters to have insurance?
• How do you handle tenant security deposits?
• How do you manage emergency requests?
• What addendums are commonly added to the Management Agreement?

Resident Benefits

• What is a Resident Benefits Package and why is it important to me as an owner?

We specialize in single-family homes, townhomes, and small multi-family properties such as duplexes, triplexes, and quadplexes. Our services are tailored to meet the needs of both homeowners deciding to rent instead of sell and investors seeking long-term wealth through residential real estate.

Below is the process to get your property under management and on the market.

1. Let’s Meet — We discuss your situation, answer questions, and provide a rental analysis and management quote. We can meet by phone, virtual call, or in person. An in-person visit allows us to do a brief rent-ready assessment.
2. Agreement — We provide an agreement for your review and signature.
3. Getting Rent Ready — We coordinate any work needed to prepare the property for market.
4. Marketing Preparation — We take photos, offer an optional 3D walkthrough, write the listing description, and set up a self-tour lock.
5. List the Property — Your property is listed on 30+ sites. We may also run social media marketing depending on the property.
6. Show the Property — Showings are conducted in person, virtually, open house, or self-guided based on property type and scheduling needs.
7. Accept Applications — Each resident over 18 submits a separate application.
8. Application Processing — We complete income verification, background check, rental history review, and more.
9. Applicant Approval or Denial — Approved applicants sign the lease and pay the security deposit. The lease start date is typically within 7 days of signing.
10. Resident Move-In — We document home condition at move-in. The resident signs off, which protects the owner at move-out.

There is no cancellation fee if you terminate the agreement after the home is leased, provided you give proper notice as outlined in the management agreement. We do not believe in locking owners into long-term contracts.

If cancellation occurs before the property is leased, there is an early termination fee of $500 to cover onboarding, advertising, showing, and pre-lease management costs.

See our pricing page for full details. In short, the Premium package includes a longer tenant guarantee, additional advertising, an additional property evaluation, and 360-degree condition photos at move-in and move-out.

Absolutely. We encourage transparency and will provide a sample management agreement upon request after an introductory call. Our agreement is proprietary and may not be copied or reused without express written permission.

Our average time to lease is under 30 days, depending on seasonality, market conditions, and pricing strategy. Homes that are well-priced and rent-ready often lease within 2 to 3 weeks. We track performance closely and make recommendations if adjustments are needed.

We specialize in self-guided tours, and for good reason — they consistently result in faster lease-up than agent-led showings and we are able to keep our leasing cost down for you.  A win-win!

Here’s why it matters: research shows the majority of prospective tenants want to see a home within one day of discovering it online. Agent-led tours require scheduling coordination that almost never meets that window. Self-tours do. A qualified prospect can request access, verify their identity, and walk the home the same day — on their schedule, without waiting on an agent’s availability.

This is also why we focus on getting the home rent-ready before listing rather than listing early. Our self-tour technology only works when the home is vacant and accessible. A listing that goes live before the home is ready can’t offer same-day access — which means it misses the prospects most likely to convert, right at the moment their interest is highest. Listing activity peaks in the first week on market, and we want that traffic hitting a home that’s ready to show.

For properties where self-tours aren’t appropriate based on location or property type, we also offer in-person, virtual, and open house showings depending on what best fits the home and at a additional cost.

Every prospect is screened before being granted access. A brief qualification step — phone interview or online form — confirms they meet the rental’s basic requirements, and identification is required before a self-tour is approved. Prospects who qualify can then submit a full application directly. A dedicated leasing hotline ensures every call about your home is answered promptly.

Today’s renters expect convenience and speed. Self-showings allow qualified prospects to tour your home on their own schedule, including after hours and on short notice.

• More showings, faster leasing — Renters can view your property without waiting for a scheduled agent, reducing days on market.
• Drive-by conversions — A significant percentage of showings come from renters already near the property. Self-showings capture that demand immediately.
• Better visibility — Some renters only consider homes with self-tour options, especially when their search window is tight.
• Secure and verified access — Every renter is screened before access is granted. A valid ID or credit card is required, and our platform validates against fraud. Each showing uses a one-time, time-limited access code tracked in real time.
• No extra cost to you — RPM Blue Sky covers the cost of this service on vacant homes.

The rental market moves quickly. Prospects frequently want to tour a property the same day they find a listing. Our self-guided showing system is built for that demand.

Agent-led tours require travel, scheduling, and individual appointments. They also have a higher rate of no-shows and delays. To keep standard services efficient and cost-effective, we charge a fee for agent-led tours to offset the additional time and resources required.

Yes. We offer a renter’s agent commission of 5% of the total lease value. This rate is fixed and non-negotiable.

Our leasing process is built to attract and screen qualified tenants directly through targeted advertising and self-showing technology across 30+ sites. Renter’s agents are not typically necessary for successful placements in our market. Offering above 5% would add cost without improving outcomes.

Agents are welcome to assist their clients with showings, applications, and questions. Our commission offering is capped at 5%.

Our goal is to place residents who will care for your home, pay on time, and end the lease in good standing. We use a scoring system that evaluates credit score, collections history, income, rental history, references, and background.

Standard qualification requirements:

• Combined net income of at least 3x the monthly rent.
• At least one applicant with a credit score of 600 or greater.
• No evictions or bankruptcies in the last 3 years.
• Positive rental references and on-time rent history for the last 2 years.
• Clean background — no felonies involving controlled substances, bodily harm, property destruction, or sexual offenses.

Applicants who do not meet one or more criteria may still be approved with risk mitigation such as additional documentation, an increased deposit, last month’s rent prepayment, or a risk fee.

View our full qualification and application requirements.

We prioritize high-quality placement and cost efficiency. By listing on a specialized network of 30+ high-traffic rental sites — including Zillow, Trulia, and HotPads — combined with modern lead-tracking systems, we capture qualified renters directly without realtor involvement.

This fills homes faster and more affordably than the traditional MLS, which is designed for home sales rather than the fast-paced rental market. Learn more about our marketing approach.

Our goal is transparent, efficient service for every property. Maintenance coordination is not a fixed cost — it varies by property. Rather than build it into the monthly management fee and raise costs for all owners, we only apply the coordination fee when maintenance actually occurs.

The fee covers:

• Contacting vendors, scheduling, and following up on work orders.
• Reviewing vendor performance and verifying completion.
• Processing invoices and payments.
• Communicating updates to tenants and owners.

Example: When an AC issue arises, we typically have a technician on-site within 8 business hours. A standard repair such as a capacitor replacement averages about $250 with our preferred vendor pricing. With an 18% coordination fee, the total is approximately $295 — often at or below retail pricing with professional oversight included.

Some companies offer “free” coordination but recover costs through hidden markups or vendor kickbacks. At RPM Blue Sky, you receive a fixed, transparent fee for the work performed.

We do not charge a management fee when the property is vacant and not generating rental income. However, if we are actively coordinating turnover work, rehab, or rent-ready prep, a management fee may apply beginning 30 days after the agreement is signed or the home becomes vacant. This covers the additional work and cost of managing an unoccupied property during extended repairs or owner-caused delays.

Think of it as an emergency fund for your rental home. It allows RPM to quickly approve and pay for maintenance without waiting on owner transfers. We have a legal responsibility to provide a habitable home to residents. If payment for a needed repair is delayed, you could be in default of the lease. A minimum of $500 is required. We can also build up the fund over time using a portion of monthly proceeds.

It is held in the RPM Client Trust account and managed according to industry-standard practices and Florida statutes. Monthly reporting shows a full accounting of all funds held.

There is no single right answer. Common methods include:

1. Multiply the home’s value by 2% to 3%.
2. Estimate the most expensive likely repair based on the age and condition of major systems, then add 10% to 25%.
3. Multiply the monthly rent by 2 or 3.

Using one method or a combination gives you a solid reserve target. RPM requires a minimum of $500 in the client trust account at all times.

Every effort is made to deliver owner draws by the 15th of the month. In some circumstances it may be later. Draws are sent via ACH, which typically clears in 2 to 5 business days — outside our control. See The Timing of Owner Payments for more details.

RPM Blue Sky encourages on-time payment through our Pinata rewards program and by reporting on-time rent to credit bureaus. Rent is due by 3:00 PM EST on the 1st of the month. A 3-day grace period applies before late fees are assessed.

Steps we take when rent is late:

1. Automated rent due reminder.
2. Email or text to the resident — typically enough to identify the issue and establish a payment commitment.
3. Formal letter to the resident documenting the late payment.
4. Pay or Quit Eviction Notice — filed if the issue is recurring or rent is severely late.
5. Eviction proceedings — initiated if the notice is not cured, requiring an attorney. Optional Landlord Protection Insurance can cover loss of rent, eviction fees, and defense costs.

If rent is not received by 3:00 PM EST on the 3rd of the month, a late fee is applied per the lease agreement. At that point, our team also proactively contacts the resident to understand the delay and work toward a resolution.

HOA fees are billed directly to the homeowner because association membership and responsibility stay with the property owner, not the tenant. These fees cover community operations, amenities, and compliance requirements enforced at the ownership level. Tenants are not members of the association.

Tenants benefit from amenities and may need to register with the HOA for access, but their rent covers use of the home — not ownership obligations like taxes, HOA dues, insurance, and mortgage payments.

Can we pass these fees to the tenant? Technically yes. However, because this is not standard practice, it would reduce renter interest and may price the home out of the market.

Yes. We handle all types of maintenance and rehab work, from minor repairs to full property renovations.

• Routine Maintenance — HVAC servicing, plumbing, electrical, appliances, and general upkeep.
• Tenant Turnover Repairs — Repainting, deep cleaning, carpet replacement, and rent-ready prep.
• Emergency Repairs — Burst pipes, roof leaks, electrical failures, and other urgent issues.
• Property Rehab and Upgrades — Kitchen and bathroom remodels, flooring, exterior improvements, and more to increase rental value.
• Code Compliance and Safety — Bringing older properties up to code, smoke detectors, and safety updates.

Our network of licensed contractors ensures high-quality work at competitive prices.

Home warranties are acceptable, but they often introduce delays and additional coordination time. We charge a per-hour service fee to manage home warranty submissions, as outlined in the management agreement.

Some management companies refuse home warranties entirely due to the extra work and delays residents must endure. Our priority is resident satisfaction and renewal rates. A home warranty can become a roadblock to that goal.

We understand some owners have trusted vendors. We can accommodate this in two ways:

• Using Your Vendor Through RPM Blue Sky — We schedule and coordinate your preferred vendor just like our own. The standard coordination fee still applies. This ensures proper tracking, documentation, and timely service for your tenants.
• Managing the Work Yourself — We can set you up as a vendor in our system. You receive service requests, schedule the work, and handle payment. A $29 per-event coordination fee applies to process the request and maintain compliance records.

All maintenance requests must be submitted through RPM Blue Sky regardless of who performs the work.

Important: Using unlicensed or uninsured vendors exposes both the owner and RPM Blue Sky to significant liability. We strongly recommend only licensed and insured professionals for any repair work.

We include a detailed move-out inspection as part of our Standard Management package at no additional charge. The Premium Management package adds 360-degree photos at both move-in and move-out.

If a licensed pool maintenance company is not already in place, we will hire one to service the pool on a regular schedule. They will maintain proper chemical balance, cleaning, and equipment upkeep. Costs will be discussed with the owner to determine whether they are passed to the resident or paid by the owner.

Yes. If you do not have landlord insurance, you may not be covered in the event of a claim. Contact your insurance agent to confirm your coverage. You will likely need a landlord policy, and RPM Blue Sky will need to be named as Additionally Insured. Contact us to receive our Owner Insurance Info Sheet.

Eviction and pet guarantees are effectively insurance products, and we are not an insurance company. Litigation has emerged recently targeting companies that operate insurance-like guarantees without proper licensing.

We do offer an optional landlord insurance policy through SureVestor ProtectionPlus that covers eviction costs, loss of rent, and additional liability. Pet damage is addressed through the security deposit.

SureVestor ProtectionPlus is an optional landlord insurance policy available exclusively to properties managed by professional property managers with a SureVestor partnership. Coverage includes:

• Loss of Rent Protection — Up to 25 weeks of rent covered in cases of tenant default, eviction, death, or property damage.
• Eviction Expense Coverage — Legal fees, court costs, and sheriff/constable fees.
• Malicious Damage Guarantee — Up to $35,000 for tenant-caused damage.
• Theft and Lock Change Coverage — Theft-related damages and rekeying costs.
• Liability Protection — Up to $1,000,000 for third-party claims on your property.

Available at $55/month ($47 plan + $8 admin fee). Visit our Owner Protection page for full details.

Yes. Even if your property has a no-pets policy or breed and size restrictions, service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered pets under federal law (HUD) and Florida Statutes Section 760.27.

• These animals must be allowed when proper documentation is provided.
• No pet fees, deposits, or monthly pet rent may be charged for service animals or ESAs.
• Residents remain fully responsible for any damage or cleaning costs beyond normal wear and tear.
• All animals are processed and documented through PetScreening.com, as outlined in the management agreement.

FHA loans require borrowers to occupy the home as a primary residence for at least one year before converting it to a rental. However, exceptions exist, including a job relocation exception if your new job is a significant distance away — typically 50 or more miles.

If you believe you qualify, we recommend reviewing your FHA loan agreement, contacting your lender for written approval, and confirming compliance with FHA guidelines to avoid loan violations. We can help you navigate the process once eligibility is confirmed.

Yes. All residents must maintain an active renters insurance policy throughout their lease term. If a tenant does not maintain coverage, we will enroll them in a liability policy at their expense.

If a tenant accidentally causes damage — a kitchen fire or water overflow, for example — their policy can cover the loss, reducing risk to the owner’s property and insurance record.

Tenants can obtain coverage through the Resident Portal, through our insurance partner E-Premium, or by providing proof of their own policy meeting minimum liability standards.

We follow all requirements under Florida Statute 83.49.

• Separate Escrow Account — All deposits are held in a non-interest-bearing escrow account dedicated exclusively to tenant funds, never commingled with operating or owner funds.
• Full Accounting — Deposits are tracked per property. At move-out, we prepare a Deposit Disposition Statement per Florida’s notice rules. No-deduction deposits are returned within 15 days. Deposits with deductions require written notice within 30 days.
• Owner Protection — We manage the entire process from escrow to legal compliance, protecting owners from violations and tenant disputes.
• Consistency — Every property follows the same standardized procedure.

A true emergency is a condition that causes injury, threatens health, or causes serious property damage — such as fire, gas leak, broken water line, flooding, or loss of heat. We maintain a 24/7/365 emergency phone line for genuine emergencies. Tenants are always instructed to call 911 first if first responders are needed.

The two most common addendums are:

1. SureVestor ProtectionPlus Opt-Out Addendum — Allows property owners to opt out of the SureVestor Rent and Eviction Protection Insurance Program. Learn more.
2. Rent Ready Addendum — Outlines required property condition standards before a home can be listed. Key requirements include professional cleaning, freshly painted walls, all doors and appliances in working order, exterior maintenance, removal of all personal items, and compliance with safety standards. We conduct a Rent Ready Inspection and provide a deficiency report before marketing begins.

The Resident Benefits Package (RBP) serves three core goals:

1. On-Time Rent Payments — Residents earn points redeemable for gift cards, products, and monthly drawings through the Pinata Loyalty Rewards Program (up to $375/year). On-time payments are also reported to credit bureaus, incentivizing timely payment and improving resident credit scores.
2. HVAC Maintenance — RPM delivers MERV 8 pleated air filters every 60 days with change reminders. Regular filter changes improve HVAC efficiency, reduce system load, and keep ductwork clean — extending equipment life and reducing costly repairs.
3. Resident Satisfaction — Residents receive a move-in gift (approximately $50 value) and access to a move-in concierge for utility and internet setup. Happy residents pay on time, care for the property, and are more likely to renew.

View the full Resident Benefits Package details here.