Owner FAQ

D.M. Rothwell, Inc. does not collect management fees from a property owner until the property is leased. There are no fees due during periods when the unit is vacant between tenants. If you do not receive rent, we do not get paid.

Yes. With 24-hour notice, we can notify the tenant and conduct a walkthrough at the owner’s request. We discourage frequent unscheduled visits, as landlords are subject to laws governing tenant privacy and access.

Yes. We screen all adult applicants with credit checks, rental history verification, employment verification, eviction searches, and references. This thorough vetting process helps us place high-quality tenants and reduce turnover.

We take every precaution to avoid problematic tenants by performing extensive screenings. While no company can guarantee tenant behavior, our process greatly reduces the risk of eviction and property damage.

Yes. We can enforce an existing lease provided it is legal and reasonable. Once the lease expires, the tenant will be transitioned to a Virginia Association of Realtors lease that aligns with current Virginia law.

No. Allowing pets is the owner’s decision, though service and companion animals are protected under Fair Housing laws. If pets are allowed, we recommend an additional pet deposit and require a pet addendum.

Yes. We prepare and send the proper legal notices, file necessary paperwork, and can represent owners at the initial court return date. Court filing fees and attorney fees, if required, are the responsibility of the resident but may be invoiced to the owner if deducted from the security deposit.

Yes. Residents can contact us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for emergencies. We do not use a third-party answering service. Emergency calls are handled directly to ensure prompt response when needed.

The average timeframe to rent a property is between 30 and 90 days. This can vary depending on seasonality, location, rental price, and property condition. We provide honest feedback to help set realistic expectations.

We perform routine interior and exterior property inspections to ensure tenants are complying with lease terms and to identify maintenance needs. At minimum, two visual walkthroughs are completed during a twelve-month lease, in addition to move-in and move-out inspections.

Rent is collected through our office or the Resident Portal and deposited directly into the owner’s account. Management fees and maintenance costs are invoiced separately around the 25th of each month. We do not deduct fees from rent payments automatically.

You will need insurance for a tenant-occupied property, which differs from standard homeowner’s insurance. We recommend discussing coverage options with your insurance agent to ensure proper protection for a rental property.

Yes. D.M. Rothwell, Inc. is fully insured. Proof of insurance is available upon request.

Yes. Owners may use insured contractors they already have relationships with, except in emergency situations where immediate action is required. If we cannot reach your contractor in an emergency, we may use one of our trusted vendors to ensure the issue is resolved promptly. All contractor bills are passed through to you without markup or administrative fees.

If property abuse or lease violations are identified during inspections, we will issue the appropriate legal notice outlining required corrections. If violations are not resolved within the legally required timeframe, we will consult with you regarding next steps, which may include lease termination or corrective actions billed to the resident.

We provide full‑service property management, including rental market analysis, advertising, tenant screening, leasing, rent collection, maintenance coordination, inspections, and compliance with current Virginia landlord‑tenant laws. We manage your property as if it were our own.

We specialize in residential properties including single‑family homes, apartments, condominiums, townhomes, and duplexes.

With decades of experience in the local rental market, we bring professional screening, proactive maintenance, legal compliance, and financial oversight that help protect your investment and maximize returns. Our goal is to reduce risk, minimize vacancies, and simplify property ownership.

Many owners successfully manage their own properties, however property management requires significant time, legal knowledge, and availability. Collecting rent, coordinating repairs, screening tenants, and handling lease violations can be complex and time‑consuming. Professional management reduces legal risk, ensures compliance with landlord‑tenant laws, and allows owners to focus on other priorities.

Security deposits are held by the property owner. Virginia law does not require an escrow account unless an owner has more than three rental properties. We ensure all deposits are handled in accordance with the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Property owners are responsible for expenses such as taxes, mortgage payments, homeowner or property owner association fees, and insurance. Rental income is deposited directly into the owner’s account to provide full transparency and control over funds.

No. We handle all tenant communication on your behalf to protect your privacy. Tenants are instructed to contact our office for all maintenance requests and lease questions. If owner involvement is required, we will contact you directly. Please note that public records, such as county tax records, may contain owner mailing addresses. If a tenant contacts you directly, we recommend referring them to our office immediately.