--- title: "Management Authorization Form FAQ | Real Property Management Gold" description: "Plain answers about the Real Property Management Gold management agreement: plans, fees, repairs, rent payouts, insurance, cancellation and Maryland rules." url: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/authorization-faq publisher: Real Property Management Gold phone: +1-301-392-2172 assessment: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment --- # Management authorization form: your questions answered The management authorization form is your agreement with Real Property Management Gold. This page explains each section in plain English: how to pick a plan, who approves repairs, when you are paid, how fees are withdrawn from rent when a tenant moves in, and how to cancel. For ownersUpdated October 29, 202610 min read - **No upfront fees.** No funds for fees are due up front. They are withdrawn from the rent when a tenant moves in. - **Payouts.** Funds go out on the 10th, 20th and 30th. - **Owner approves.** You have the final say on every applicant. - **Your vendors.** You can use your own vendors. ## What is the management authorization form? It is the agreement that sets out the responsibilities, expectations and legal terms between you and us. It protects both of us and helps your rental run smoothly. The sections below follow the form in order. ## Why do you need my tax information and how am I paid? To follow IRS rules, we need your Social Security number or your company’s tax ID to issue a 1099 at the end of the year. Use your SSN if the property is in your name, or the corporate tax ID if an LLC or corporation owns it. We also give you an annual income statement that sums up your rental income and expenses. You can receive funds by U.S. mail or by direct deposit through electronic funds transfer. Direct deposit is fast and secure. ## Which plan should I choose? All plans include full-service management: marketing, tenant screening, lease management, maintenance coordination, move-in and move-out management, rent collection and financial management, tenant communication, eviction coordination, vendor management, property inspections, annual income statements and 1099 forms, and 24/7 emergency response. Plan What it adds Silver Tenant liability insurance\*, 180-day lease guarantee, mid-year inspection, $500 pet damage protection Gold Everything in Silver, plus a 29-day rental promise, 365-day lease guarantee, eviction protection, quarterly inspections, HVAC filter replacement, $1,000 pet damage protection Platinum Everything in Gold, plus SureVestor landlord protection against lost rent, property damage and eviction costs, $1,500 pet damage protection \*Real Property Management Gold is not a licensed insurance broker. Please refer to the insurance policy for coverage information. See the [fees page](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/property-management-fees) for the details of each plan. Calvert Cliffs State Park. Photo: Bohemian Baltimore, CC BY-SA 4.0. ## How do you set the rent and prepare the home? We evaluate your property to set the right rent and recommend improvements that attract high-quality tenants. This helps maximize rent and reduce vacancy. We also recommend any maintenance needed to make the home [rent ready](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/rent-ready) and to meet tenant expectations and local requirements. ## How do you advertise and screen tenants? We list your property on major rental websites, including Zillow, HotPads, Trulia, Realtor.com, Homes.com and Bright MLS. Additionally, a licensed real estate agent will list your property to further boost visibility, with the cost covered as part of the tenant placement fee. We hire a professional photographer and post clear rental requirements. Our leasing team answers inquiries 24/7 and schedules showings in real time. We visit the property once a week to check it is secure, and send you weekly activity reports. Screening includes credit checks, rental history verification, criminal background checks, Plaid ID and bank account verification, AI document verification and employment verification. You then get a summary of the applicant’s qualifications and our recommendation. You have the final say. ## How are rent, evictions and security deposits handled? As a licensed collection agency in Maryland (NMLS Collection Agency ID: 2539834), we are authorized to collect rent and pursue delinquencies in full compliance with state regulations. In Maryland, tenants have a 5-day grace period for rent payments. If rent is not received by the 6th day, we start the filing process in court and keep you informed of court dates and next steps. Under Gold and Platinum, we cover the cost of filing for failure to pay rent. See [failure to pay rent](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/failure-to-pay-rent). At the end of the lease we do a move-out walkthrough and list the tenant damages to deduct from the [security deposit](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/security-deposit). You approve that list. If you disagree about charges, we try to mediate. If you prefer to handle the deposit yourself, we send you the deposit (minus any fees the tenant owes us) and tell the tenant that you handle the accounting and return. Deposits are kept in a separate bank account, and interest is credited to the tenant as Maryland law requires. ## How are maintenance and repairs handled? Our trained maintenance staff first troubleshoot to keep costs down. If a vendor is needed, we contact you for approval before sending anyone. We then coordinate with the vendor and keep you updated by text or email through our software. - **Your vendors.** You can choose your own. We will coordinate with them. - **Home warranties.** We can work with your warranty company to schedule repairs, but we generally don’t recommend warranties because of possible delays and out-of-pocket costs. Some companies need you to open work orders or pay deductibles. We will guide you. - **Non-emergency repairs over $500.** We send a quote for approval. If we hear nothing in 48 hours, we make a final attempt. If there is no reply within 24 hours, we proceed to protect the property and keep the tenant satisfied. - **Emergencies, such as water leaks or electrical hazards.** We stabilize the situation and may send help right away to prevent damage or harm. We notify you immediately and keep you informed. If an insurance claim is needed, we guide you. - **Paying for repairs.** If a repair costs less than the monthly rent, we deduct it from next month’s rent. If it costs more, you can make a deposit through the online portal. ## Who pays the utilities? In Maryland, tenants usually pay all utilities. We recommend choosing “None” on the form to maximize rental income and avoid complications. If the HOA covers any utilities, we can list that in the agreement. HOA fees are not utilities. The owner pays them, so include them in your rent. You may cover a utility for a tenant if you wish. You are responsible for utilities while the home is vacant. ## When do funds go out, and what statements do I get? We pay for repairs, leasing fees and management fees from your funds, then send the rest to you or to your designated account. Funds go out on the 10th, 20th and 30th (or the last day of a shorter month). If rent is paid on time, you receive your rent disbursement on the 10th. This lets payments clear. Detailed financial statements show every income and expense: rent received, maintenance, management fees and other disbursements. We charge nothing extra for them. They are in your online portal 24/7, and you get an email whenever they are updated. Leonardtown Wharf. Photo: Elvert Barnes, CC BY-SA 2.0. ## What fees come out of the rent? Our pricing is meant to be transparent and straightforward, with no hidden fees. No funds for fees are due up front. They are withdrawn from the rent when a tenant moves in. Fee How it works Tenant placement 6.9% of annual rent, charged only if we find the tenant. It does not apply if your property is already occupied or you find your own tenant. Monthly management A percentage of rent collected, set by your plan: Silver, Gold or Platinum. See the [fees page](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/property-management-fees) for the rates. Setup fee $199 one time. Applies only if the property is already occupied when you sign up or you place your own tenant. It also covers the initial premium if you activate SureVestor. Lease renewal $199, only when a tenant renews at the end of the term. It covers negotiating, preparing and signing the new lease. Eviction protection $50 per month, optional. It only applies if you choose the Silver plan and want to add eviction protection. It covers court, attorney, and filing fees related to tenant eviction due to non-payment of rent. On Gold and Platinum it is already included at no additional cost. Property review $199 per review, optional. It is only charged if you request additional property reviews beyond what is included in your package. ## What insurance do I need? We require you to keep a landlord homeowners policy with casualty and liability coverage. We recommend you tell your insurer that a tenant is moving in and add Real Property Management Gold as additionally insured, to avoid confusion in a claim. This does not usually raise the premium much, but ask your carrier. See [landlord insurance](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/landlord-insurance) and [rental property insurance](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/rental-property-insurance). The Insurance Authorization Form lets us act for you on emergency repairs that need an insurance claim. No action is taken without your approval, but insurers require your authorization before work starts. You can ask for an opt-out form, but then you are responsible for liability if a claim comes up and for any delays. SureVestor provides protection for tenant-related risks, such as lost rent or damage by tenants. It is part of our Platinum plan only and requires a $199 upfront setup fee. It is not a substitute for homeowner’s insurance, which covers structural damage and general liability. We recommend keeping your homeowner’s policy and using SureVestor as extra protection. \*Real Property Management Gold is not a licensed insurance broker. Please refer to the insurance policy for coverage information. ## What records do you need, and what is our legal relationship? We need ownership records, insurance policies and past leases. Our team will contact you if we need anything. We operate as an independent contractor, not as your employee. We are not liable for injuries, property damage or losses caused by third parties, tenant actions or environmental conditions. If our company changes, we can assign your agreement to another qualified property manager on the same terms. ## How long does the agreement last? It replaces any earlier verbal or written agreements. It starts when we begin rent-ready repairs or start marketing the property, and stays active for the whole tenant stay. If the property becomes vacant, the agreement automatically renews if you want us to find a new tenant. If you do not want to re-rent, it ends automatically. ## How do I cancel the agreement? You can cancel without penalty if any of these is true: 1. No qualified tenant has been approved within 60 days of the property being listed. 2. A tenant is more than 60 days behind on rent. 3. The property becomes uninhabitable because of a structural defect, natural disaster or other major incident. 4. A tenant starts legal action involving the property or you. 5. The property becomes vacant at any time after the first tenant placement. If you cancel in the first 60 days of listing and no tenant has been placed, 30 days’ written notice is required and a cancellation fee equal to three months’ management fees or $300 (whichever is greater) must be paid. After 60 days with no tenant, you can cancel without penalty with written notice. If a tenant lives in the property and none of the penalty-free conditions applies, the 30-day notice and the cancellation fee of three months’ management fees (or $300, whichever is greater) still apply. We may also cancel if an owner breaks our policies or the agreement, or creates operational or legal problems for us. ## What happens if there is a foreclosure? Keep your mortgage, property taxes and HOA fees current. If a foreclosure action starts, we can end the contract or freeze your funds. You have 30 days to catch up. If it is not resolved, we may refund the tenant’s security deposit and deduct all amounts due from your account. Flag Ponds, Lusby. Photo: Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0. ## What Maryland rules does the agreement cover? - **Safety standards.** Maryland law requires secure locks, working smoke detectors and rekeyed locks between tenants. If your property doesn’t meet them, we are required to bring it up to code. We contact you first, but if we hear nothing within 24 hours, we update the property at your expense. - **Pets and service animals.** If you allow pets, we screen them. Pet damage coverage is part of your plan, above the security deposit. Emotional support animals and service animals are not pets and are protected by federal and Maryland law, so no pet fees apply and they must be accommodated even with a “no pets” policy. See [assistance animal](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/assistance-animal) and [pet screening](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/pet-screening). - **HVAC filters.** Under Gold and Platinum, we send filters directly to the tenant every 3 to 4 months. We need your filter sizes and locations. See the [HVAC program](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/hvac-filter-replacement-program). - **Lawn and snow.** Tenants care for the lawn once they move in. You maintain the exterior while the home is vacant. We can mow and clear snow every two weeks to keep the home attractive for showings. The average mowing cost is $65. - **Mold.** If you know of water damage, leaks or mold, we help you disclose it. If remediation is needed, we coordinate with certified professionals. - **Lead-based paint.** For homes built before 1978, Maryland requires lead paint compliance, including registration with MDE and a lead certificate. We can guide the process: forms and registration links, hiring a certified inspector and making repairs. See [lead paint compliance](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/dme-lead-paint-compliance) and [lead paint registration](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/lead-paint-registration). - **Rental licenses.** The Town of Indian Head, Prince George’s County and the Town of La Plata require a rental license before you rent. We can guide you through the process or give you instructions to apply yourself. See [rental licenses](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center/southern-maryland-rental-license). ## Next step Questions about any section? Call (301) 392-2172 or ask at [Contact us](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us). Read the [fees page](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/property-management-fees) and the [owner resources](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/owners) before you sign. ## Frequently asked questions ### When do I get paid? Funds are paid out on the 10th, 20th and 30th (or the last day of the month if shorter). If rent is paid on time, your rent disbursement arrives on the 10th. We send what remains after repairs, leasing fees and management fees. ### Do I have to approve repairs? For non-emergency repairs over $500, we send a quote for approval. If we hear nothing in 48 hours, we make one final attempt to reach you. If there is no reply within 24 hours after that, we proceed to protect the property. Emergencies are handled right away and we notify you. ### Can I use my own vendors? Yes. We work with trusted vendors, but you can choose your own. We will coordinate with them so the work meets your standards. ### What fees come out of the rent? Tenant placement is 6.9% of annual rent, charged only if we find the tenant. The monthly management fee depends on your plan. Fees are withdrawn from the rent when a tenant moves in. No funds are due up front. ### How do I cancel? You can cancel without penalty if no qualified tenant is approved within 60 days of listing, a tenant is more than 60 days behind, or the home becomes uninhabitable. Otherwise 30 days' written notice and a cancellation fee of three months' management fees or $300, whichever is greater, apply. ### Is my security deposit protected? Deposits are held in a separate security deposit bank account and interest is credited to the tenant as Maryland law requires. ## Terms on this page - [Lead paint registration](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/lead-paint-registration) - [Failure to pay rent](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/failure-to-pay-rent) - [Landlord insurance](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/landlord-insurance) - [Assistance animal](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/assistance-animal) - [Security deposit](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/security-deposit) - [Rental license](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/rental-license) - [Lease renewal](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/lease-renewal) - [Rent-ready](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/glossary/rent-ready) ## Keep reading - [Download our free Southern Maryland landlord guideReal Property Management Gold offers a free ebook, the Southern Maryland Rental Property Guide for Out-of-Town Homeowners. Fill out the form with your name and email to get your copy. It helps you understand what to expect in this market and its rental property requirements.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/free-guide-to-rental-property) - [Join our mailing listJoin the Real Property Management Gold mailing list to stay up to date on our services and on the local property management industry in Southern Maryland. Add your name and email below. You can also follow the Landlord Center for Maryland rules that affect rental owners.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/join-mailing-list) - [Wealth Optimizer: maximize your rental property ROIWealth Optimizer is a free rental property calculator from Real Property Management. It shows how your rentals perform, or helps you judge a property you are thinking of buying. It reports net operating income, equity, appreciation, tax benefit, ROI, cash on cash return and cap rate.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/wealth-optimizer) ## Ask what your home could rent for. Free. A free rental assessment from our offices in Lexington Park and Waldorf. No cost, no contract, no pressure. [Request a free assessment](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment)[(301) 392-2172](tel:+13013922172)