Owner Resources
Successful rental-property ownership requires clear expectations, consistent procedures, and an understanding of important housing requirements. The resources below provide practical information about Fair Housing, assistance animals, management agreements, and other topics that commonly affect rental-property owners.
For questions about a specific property or situation, please contact Sunshine Realty for guidance.
Fair Housing
The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Advertising, application processing, screening, leasing, maintenance, renewals, and other housing services must be handled consistently and without unlawful preference or discrimination.
Sunshine Realty follows written procedures and applies rental criteria consistently. Owners should not request or direct decisions based on a protected characteristic.
Pets & Assistance Animal Requests
Owners may decide whether ordinary household pets will be considered at their property. When pets are allowed, the pet fee and any monthly pet rent are determined based on the property, the type, size, and number of pets, applicable insurance restrictions, and the owner’s preferences. Residents remain responsible for damage caused by their animals.
Sunshine Realty uses PetScreening to collect and organize pet profiles, vaccination records, photographs, and information submitted with animal-related accommodation requests. Ordinary pets must meet the property’s approval requirements before moving into the home.
Requests involving service animals, assistance animals, or emotional-support animals are reviewed individually under the laws and guidance in effect at the time of the request. When an animal qualifies for a legally required accommodation, it is handled separately from an ordinary pet, and pet fees, pet rent, breed restrictions, and other pet rules are applied only as permitted by current law. Owners should refer these requests to Sunshine Realty rather than approving or denying them independently.
Management Agreement Overview
The management agreement explains the authority given to Sunshine Realty and the responsibilities of both the owner and property manager. It addresses services, management fees, rent collection, maintenance coordination, handling of funds, insurance requirements, communication, the agreement term, and termination procedures.
This overview is provided for general information only. The complete agreement will be provided for review and signature, and its specific terms will control the management relationship.
Applicant Screening & Criminal History
Sunshine Realty screens completed applications using written, consistently applied rental criteria. Screening may include income and employment verification, credit history and score, rental references, prior evictions, and a background check. Specific requirements may vary by property and will be disclosed as part of the application process.
Criminal-history information is reviewed in accordance with current law and Sunshine Realty’s screening procedures. Decisions are based on legitimate rental qualifications and property-related concerns—not assumptions, stereotypes, or protected characteristics. Owners should not direct applicant approval or denial outside the established screening process.
Lead-Based Paint & Property Disclosures
Federal law requires specific lead-based paint disclosures for most residential properties built before 1978. Before a lease is signed, owners must provide any known information, records, or reports concerning lead-based paint or lead hazards, and the required disclosure and educational materials must be given to the resident.
Owners should also provide Sunshine Realty with accurate information about the property’s age; any known flooding, flood-zone designation, drainage problems, or water intrusion; and any environmental, safety, association, insurance, or other property conditions that may require disclosure or affect a resident. Sunshine Realty will include the applicable forms and notices in the leasing process..
North Carolina Owner Responsibilities
North Carolina property owners are responsible for providing and maintaining fit and habitable rental housing. This includes complying with applicable building and housing codes, keeping owner-supplied systems and appliances in safe working order, maintaining safe common areas, providing required smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms, and addressing repair or safety concerns within a reasonable time.
Owners should promptly authorize necessary repairs, maintain appropriate property insurance, provide accurate information about the property, and make funds available when rental income is insufficient to cover approved expenses. Sunshine Realty will coordinate management and maintenance services, but certain legal responsibilities remain with the property owner.
