FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General
Call the CPM office at 803-931-0044. We will take your information, and a leasing agent will contact you to schedule a viewing. If possible, we encourage you to see the location first.
We can accept your application before you view the property, but an in-person viewing is required by you or your representative before we can accept the security deposit.
When you call the office, we will give your contact information to our leasing agents. An agent will reach out to schedule an in-person or virtual appointment at your convenience.
In most cases, the agent can arrange for a showing the same week or earlier.
We do not offer self-tours at this time but can provide you with a virtual or in-person tour.
The online application can be found on our apply page. You can also pick up a paper application from our office. There is a $75 application fee per adult, or $75 per married couple with the same last name/marriage certificate.
The criteria for processing an application are income, rental history, credit history, and public records.
Visit the apply page on our website for more detailed information about how applications are processed.
Please note that we are unable to determine if your application will be approved until the application process has been completed.
We do not look for a specific credit score. We consider your application as a whole and make a decision based on four factors combined: your credit history, rental history, public records and income.
If a property does not allow pets, it will be noted in the property listing. If a property considers pets and your pet is approved, you will need to pay a non-refundable pet fee of at least $250 before taking possession of the property. Pet fees may vary depending on the property, number of pets, type of pets or size of pets.
Visit the apply page on our website for more information on our pet policies.
We have a non-refundable application fee of $75 per adult.
Only MARRIED couples may apply jointly with one application fee and must show proof of marriage or have the same last name.
Once approved, you will need to pay a security deposit to secure the property. The property will not be taken off the market until the security deposit has been paid in full. You will be required to view the property before we can accept a security deposit.
Once a security deposit has been paid and the property is taken off the market, the security deposit is non-refundable until the lease is fulfilled. Approved applicants are required to sign the lease as soon as possible after the security deposit has been paid. Failure to sign the lease or occupy the property within two weeks of the move in ready date may result in cancellation of the lease and forfeit of the security deposit.
You will need to submit a minimum 30, 60, or 90 day written notice to vacate form to our office, per the terms of your lease. The notice to vacate form is found at the bottom of our Info/Forms section of our website.
If you are vacating prior to the end of your lease term, and we are unable to re-rent the property, you are financially responsible for payment through the end of your lease term or until it is re-rented. There is also a leasing fee that will be due if you break your lease.
Renters insurance is required before you take possession of the property. Columbia Property Management must be listed as an additional insured.
Renter's insurance protects you and your belongings. If there's a fire, theft, or other catastrophe, the property owner's insurance won't cover your belongings or your liability. You should discuss the terms of your rental insurance with a licensed insurance agent to make sure you have adequate coverage.
Maintenance
During business hours, maintenance requests can be either called into the office, emailed to maintenance@colapro.com, or placed via your tenant portal.
After business hours, emergency maintenance requests should be called to our emergency maintenance line at 803-331-4469.
Burst water lines, fire, burglary, no heat or AC in extreme temperatures, gas leaks, electrical issues that present immediate danger, sewer backups, storm or wind damage, appliance issues such as a fridge/freezer not cooling, stove top sparking.
Depending on the emergency, you may need to contact the appropriate responders first and then contact our office. After business hours, please contact our emergency maintenance line at 803-331-4469.
For any fire or burglary issues, please call the fire department or police before calling the office, and make sure you notify your renters insurance if needed.
For any electrical outages, please call your power service provider before calling the office.
For any sewer backups, please call your water/sewer service provider before calling the office.
If your filter vent is inside the house, yes you are responsible for changing it. The filter typically needs to be changed every 60-90 days for more efficient heating and cooling.
Yes, unless they are hardwired, then you need to call the office.
NO. Only toilet paper can be flushed down the toilet. Do not flush wipes down the toilet, even if they say they are flushable.
Yes. If you are unsure how to change a bulb in certain fixtures, please call the office.
- Check the filter to see if it needs to be changed
- Change the batteries in the thermostat
- Make sure the thermostat is set to AUTO and not ON
- Check/flip the breaker for the HVAC
- Unplug it and plug it back in
- Find and hit the reset button on the disposal itself
- If it's leaking, call the office
- Check to make sure it is not powered by a light switch in the room
- Find your GFCI outlet (in the kitchen or bathroom) and hit the reset button
There is nothing that can be done immediately when pipes are frozen. Please notify the office and keep an eye on your plumbing once they thaw out. After the pipes have thawed if there are any leaks, please call the office immediately.