Owner FAQs

Getting Started

• How do I sign up with Allegiance Property Management?

  We start with a conversation—not a contract. Our virtual discovery meeting with Courtney, our Principal Broker & Director of Operations, is designed to understand your goals and how we can best protect and grow your investment. You can select a time here: Book a Discovery Call.

• What documents do you need from me?

  To get you set up quickly, we’ll guide you through a simple checklist: Property Management Agreement, Owner Intake Form, ACH authorization, W-9, proof of insurance, and HOA/condo rules (if applicable). We make the process seamless so you can focus on your investment, not the paperwork.

• How soon can you start managing my property?

  We can begin as soon as your paperwork is complete and your home is ready for leasing. On average, it takes about a week to get new clients fully onboarded. From there, we’ll schedule professional photos and publish the listing—assuming the property is ready to go. Our goal is always to minimize vacancy so your investment is working for you as quickly as possible.

Leasing and Tenants

• How do you determine the rental price for my property?

  Pricing your property correctly is one of the most important steps in protecting your investment. If rent is set too high, your home may sit vacant and cost you money; if it’s too low, you leave income on the table. We use real-time market data, neighborhood trends, and decades of local experience to provide a precise rental analysis. Our goal is to balance minimizing vacancy with maximizing your return, so your property is both competitive and profitable.

• How do you screen tenants?

  We believe the right tenant protects your investment. Our written Tenant Selection Criteria includes credit checks, income and employment verification, and rental history review. We apply these criteria consistently and in compliance with Fair Housing laws, ensuring a process that is both thorough and equitable. This helps us place residents who will treat your property with respect while providing you with a reliable return.

• How long are lease terms?

  The most frequently requested lease length is 12 months, since it provides stability for both owners and residents. That said, we can set minimum and maximum lease terms that align with your investment goals and current market conditions. Our approach is flexible—we’ll recommend what best balances reducing vacancy risk with maximizing your return.

• Who holds the tenant’s security deposit?

  All security deposits are kept in our licensed escrow account, as required by Virginia law.

• How much security deposit is charged to tenants?

  Security deposits are set in accordance with Virginia law and market standards, typically equal to one month’s rent. In Virginia, the maximum deposit allowed is the equivalent of two months’ rent—and this amount includes any additional deposits for pets. Our goal is to set a fair deposit that protects your investment while remaining competitive in the market.

• Do you allow pets in rental properties?

  Whether to allow pets is ultimately your choice as the owner. That said, data shows over half of households have a pet—and allowing pets can significantly expand your pool of potential tenants. In Northern Virginia, pet-friendly homes tend to rent faster and with less vacancy. If you choose to allow pets, we’ll discuss pet deposits and fees as permitted under Virginia law to make sure your property is protected while still appealing to a wider applicant base.

Payments and Financials

• How and when will I receive rental income?

  Owner payments are processed once each month by ACH direct deposit, typically by the 10th. Before disbursement, we collect rent, reconcile any expenses, and prepare your statement so everything is accurate and transparent. You’ll receive both your funds and a detailed report through your owner portal, giving you a clear picture of how your investment is performing.

• How do I track income and expenses?

  Your secure owner portal gives you 24/7 access to everything you need—monthly financial statements, copies of invoices, work orders, and year-end tax reports. You can log in anytime to see how your property is performing, download records for your accountant, or track expenses in real time. Our goal is to keep your financials organized and transparent so you can focus on the return, not the recordkeeping.

• Do you provide tax forms?

  Yes. Each January we issue Form 1099 for rental income, along with year-end financial statements available in your owner portal. These reports make it simple to share everything with your tax preparer and ensure accurate reporting. Our goal is to take the stress out of tax season so you can focus on the return, not the paperwork.

Rent Collection and Delinquency

• How is rent collected from tenants?

  We offer multiple payment options to appeal to every resident, including online payments through the resident portal (ACH or debit/credit), recurring auto-pay, and electronic cash pay at participating retailers. By making rent easy to pay, we encourage on-time payments and create a more reliable income stream for you.

• What happens if a tenant doesn’t pay rent?

  Our first step is always communication—we reach out to the tenant right away to understand the situation and encourage prompt payment. If rent still isn’t received, we issue the appropriate legal notices in compliance with the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. From there, we work closely with both you and the tenant to explore options, while also coordinating with legal counsel if necessary. Throughout the process, you’re kept informed so you know exactly where things stand.

• What happens if an eviction is necessary?

  Evictions are rare—our delinquency rate is under 2% thanks to strong tenant screening and early communication. That said, if an eviction does become necessary, we’ll guide you through the entire process—issuing notices, coordinating with legal counsel, and keeping you informed each step of the way. Owners are responsible for attorney and court fees, but our team provides full support and coordination to ensure the process is handled professionally and in compliance with Virginia law.

Maintenance and Inspections

• Do you offer property inspections?

  Yes. We partner with a third-party inspection company that specializes exclusively in property condition reporting. They provide detailed, photo-rich inspections at move-in, move-out, and annually during the lease term. Owners pay per inspection, but we find the cost to be well worth it for the peace of mind and documentation provided. Our team reviews each report, develops action items if needed, and coordinates follow-up work. We also handle annual smoke alarm certifications as required by law, ensuring your property stays safe and fully compliant. All inspection reports are uploaded to your owner portal, so you have clear visibility and easy access anytime.

• How are maintenance requests handled?

  Tenants submit all maintenance requests through our online platform, which keeps everything documented and organized. From there, our Maintenance Coordinator reviews each request, troubleshoots with the tenant when possible, and determines the best next step. If a vendor is needed, we dispatch a vetted vendor within our network, selected for both quality and competitive pricing. You’ll be updated along the way, and the final invoice will be available in your owner portal.

• Do I approve repairs?

  Yes. You’ll be asked to approve any repair that exceeds $500 so you stay in control of larger expenses. For emergencies—such as leaks, loss of heat, or safety concerns—we act immediately to protect your property and prevent further damage. In either case, we keep you updated so there are no surprises, just solutions that safeguard your investment.

• How do you manage costs and quality of work?

  We carefully manage both sides of the equation—quality and cost. Repairs are handled by vetted vendors within our trusted network, all licensed and insured. We confirm completion, often with photos or updates, and review every invoice to ensure pricing is fair and competitive. Just as important, we focus on timely repairs because resident satisfaction is directly tied to lease renewals and long-term retention. This approach not only protects your property but also helps keep quality tenants in place, maximizing your investment return.

• Can I use my own vendor?

  Yes—if you have a trusted vendor you’d like us to use, we’re happy to coordinate with them. To ensure consistency, all outside vendors must complete our vendor onboarding process, carry the required licensing and insurance, and be comfortable using our maintenance scheduling software. Many owners still prefer our vetted vendor network because of the established quality, competitive pricing, and faster response times, but we’re glad to work with your preferred vendor if they meet these standards.

Additional Services

• What types of properties do you manage?

  We manage single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums across Northern Virginia. Geographically, we manage as far south as Woodbridge/Dumfries and as far west as Manassas. Our focus is on long-term residential rentals where we can deliver the best results for our owners.

• What types of properties don’t you manage?

  We do not manage furnished rentals, short-term or vacation rentals, or properties in Loudoun County. We also have a minimum rental rate of $2,000 across the board (and $2,500 in Prince William County). These standards allow us to concentrate on the properties and markets where our systems, vendor network, and expertise provide the greatest value.

• How involved do I need to be as the owner?

  Our goal is to make ownership as hands-off as possible. We are a full-service management company, which means we handle the day-to-day operations—from leasing and rent collection to maintenance coordination and compliance. You’ll stay informed through regular updates and your owner portal, but you won’t need to manage the details yourself. Whether you live nearby or across the country, you can trust that your investment is in good hands while you focus on the bigger picture.

• Do you also handle real estate sales?

  Our main focus is investment management—protecting your property, maximizing your return, and keeping your rental performing at its best. That said, if you decide to sell, we are licensed to broker the transaction, including situations where your current tenant may want to purchase. We also maintain a large network of trusted Realtors and can connect you with someone who specializes in your needs, location, and goals—whether that’s navigating a 1031 exchange, expanding your investment portfolio, or transitioning out of real estate altogether. This ensures you have expert guidance at every stage of your investment journey.

• What if I decide Allegiance isn’t the right fit?

  Your management agreement includes a 30-day penalty-free out, because we want happy clients—not owners who feel stuck. If at any point it doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can provide 30 days’ notice and we’ll ensure a smooth transition. That includes providing records, tenant ledgers, and keys. We understand that circumstances change, and we’ll never force you to work with us if it doesn’t serve your goals.