Frequently Asked Questions
At Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire, we believe in honesty and communication, which includes answering frequently asked questions to keep you educated and informed. We invite you to read through our FAQs to learn more about how we manage your rental property in Dover, NH, and the surrounding areas.
Tenants FAQs
How do I apply for a rental property?
You can apply online via our website. Find the listing you’re interested in and click “Apply Now.” Complete the application form and submit the required documents including a valid government-issued photo ID and proof of income. Every occupant age 18 or older must submit a separate application.
What credit score do I need to rent from Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire?
Most qualified applicants demonstrate a credit score of 650 or higher, combined gross household income of at least 3x the monthly rent, positive rental history with satisfactory lease compliance, and satisfactory background screening results and references. Meeting these guidelines does not guarantee approval, as each application is reviewed based on all submitted information.
If you have questions about your specific situation before applying, contact us and we’re happy to discuss it.
How long does the rental application process take?
Processing timelines vary depending on documentation completeness and reference response times. The most common causes of delays are missing documents, incomplete applications, incorrect landlord or employer contact information, and delayed reference responses. We move as quickly as we can because we know housing decisions are time-sensitive.
You can apply directly through any listing on our available rentals page.
Is there a screening fee, and is it refundable?
Yes, a non-refundable screening fee is required. This fee covers background and credit checks processed through our application platform.
Can I transfer my application to another property within your portfolio?
Yes, your application is valid for 90 days. Please contact us if you’d like to move it to another property managed by us.
Are pets allowed in the rentals?
Pet policies vary by property and are set by the individual property owner. Some properties in our Seacoast NH portfolio do welcome pets, sometimes with restrictions on breed, size or age.
Where pets are permitted, approved applicants complete a PetScreening profile before a lease is offered. Any applicable pet fees and monthly rent increase are determined by PetScreening results and set by the property owner.
Check individual listings on our rental search page for pet-specific details, or contact us and we can help you identify pet-friendly options in your preferred area.
How do I pay rent, and what payment methods are accepted?
Rent can be paid through the tenant portal using debit/credit cards or electronic checks (ACH).
Can I set up automatic payments for rent?
Yes, you can set up auto-pay through the tenant portal to avoid late fees. This option is under the “Payments” section.
What happens if I miss a rent payment or pay late?
Late fees will apply as per your lease agreement. If you anticipate a delay, please contact us immediately to discuss your situation.
How do I submit a maintenance request?
You can submit maintenance requests through the tenant portal. Provide a detailed description of the issue and upload photos if possible.
What do I do in a maintenance emergency?
For true maintenance emergencies — such as a gas leak, active flooding, no heat in winter, a serious electrical hazard, or a security issue — call us immediately at (603) 343-2202.
Do not wait to submit a portal request for situations that pose an immediate risk to safety or the property. We have after-hours protocols in place to respond to urgent situations around the clock.
How long does it take for maintenance requests to be resolved?
Emergency repairs are usually addressed within 24-48 hours, while non-urgent issues may take a few days, depending on the complexity of the repair.
What utilities are included in my rent?
Utilities vary by property. Your lease will specify which utilities (if any) are included, such as water, trash removal, or electricity.
How do I give notice when I want to move out?
Your lease agreement specifies the required notice period — typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies under New Hampshire law (RSA 540:2).
To provide notice, contact our office in writing or through your tenant portal. Please review your specific lease terms, as giving proper notice in the right timeframe is important to avoid additional charges.
What happens to my security deposit when I move out?
After you move out, we conduct a move-out inspection and compare the property’s condition against the original move-in inspection report.
Under New Hampshire law (RSA 540-A), your security deposit must be returned or an itemized statement of any deductions provided within 30 days of your lease end date.
Normal wear and tear is not chargeable; damage beyond that may be deducted. We document everything with photos to ensure the process is transparent and fair for all parties.
How do I access my lease agreement and other documents?
Log in to your tenant portal, and you’ll find all important documents under the “Documents” tab.


Property Owners FAQs
What does a property manager do in New Hampshire?
A property manager handles the day-to-day responsibilities of owning a rental property so you don’t have to.
At Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire, our residential property management services include marketing your property, screening tenants, collecting rent, coordinating maintenance and repairs, conducting property inspections, managing lease renewals, and ensuring compliance with New Hampshire landlord-tenant law.
Our goal is to protect your investment and maximize your rental income — without it consuming your time.
How much does property management cost in the Seacoast NH area?
Property management fees in the Seacoast NH area typically include two components: a monthly management fee (a percentage of rent collected each month) and a one-time leasing fee when a new tenant is placed.
At Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire, our pricing is straightforward with no hidden charges. Visit our Pricing page for a full breakdown, or contact us for a free property assessment.
What is the difference between a management fee and a leasing fee?
These are two separate charges that cover different services.
The monthly management fee covers ongoing management of your property — rent collection, tenant communication, maintenance coordination, and financial reporting. It is charged every month as a percentage of rent collected.
The leasing fee (sometimes called a placement fee) is a one-time charge when we find and place a new qualified tenant. It covers marketing, showings, screening, and lease execution. You pay the leasing fee when a tenant moves in, not on a recurring basis.
What areas of New Hampshire do you manage properties in?
Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire manages rental properties throughout Rockingham and Strafford Counties.
Our primary service areas include Dover, Portsmouth, Hampton, Durham, Exeter, Rochester, and Smersworth, NH.
If your property is not listed above, contact us — our coverage extends throughout the Seacoast region and beyond.
Do you manage single-family homes, or only multi-family properties?
We manage both.
Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire works with single-family homes, duplexes, multi-family residences, condos, and HOAs. Whether you own one rental property or a growing portfolio of investment properties in the Seacoast NH area, we have services designed to fit your situation.
How do I get started with your property management services?
Getting started is straightforward. Contact us online or call (603) 343-2202 to schedule a free property assessment.
We’ll evaluate your property, discuss your rental goals, walk you through our management services and fee structure, and explain exactly what to expect.
Most owners complete onboarding within a few days of signing. You can also review our Owner’s Handbook before we connect.
What does the onboarding process look like when I sign up?
We conduct a detailed rental market analysis using current comparable listings, recent lease data, and market trends specific to your property’s location in the Seacoast NH area.
We factor in property size, condition, amenities, proximity to employment centers and UNH, and seasonal demand patterns. Our goal is to price your property to minimize vacancy while maximizing monthly income.
Our Wealth Optimizer tool can also help you model your investment’s financial performance over time.
How do you determine the right rental price for my property in New Hampshire?
Getting started is straightforward. Contact us online or call (603) 343-2202 to schedule a free property assessment.
We’ll evaluate your property, discuss your rental goals, walk you through our management services and fee structure, and explain exactly what to expect.
Most owners complete onboarding within a few days of signing. You can also review our Owner’s Handbook before we connect.
How do you market rental properties in the Seacoast NH area?
We market your property across all major rental platforms including Zillow, Apartments.com, Zumper, Facebook Marketplace, and our own website at Real Property Management Seacoast NH.
Every listing includes professional photography and, where appropriate, virtual tours to attract serious applicants. Our technology allows us to schedule showings 24/7, so prospective tenants can view your property without delay.
Our systems are built to minimize vacancy time and fill your property with qualified tenants quickly.
How are tenants screened?
Every applicant goes through a comprehensive screening process that includes a credit score review, criminal background check, eviction history search, employment and income verification, and prior landlord reference checks.
We look for tenants who are financially qualified — typically with verifiable income of at least 2.5–3x the monthly rent — and who have a demonstrated history of responsible renting. Thorough tenant screening is one of the most important things we do to protect your Seacoast NH rental property.
NOTE: Verify the 2.5–3x income ratio is accurate for your screening criteria before publishing.
What happens if a tenant stops paying rent in New Hampshire?
If a tenant fails to pay rent, we follow a structured process consistent with New Hampshire landlord-tenant law.
We begin with formal written notices and direct communication, then escalate to eviction proceedings (Landlord-Tenant Writ) if the situation is not resolved. We manage this entire process on your behalf — including coordination with legal counsel if required — so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
We also offer SureVestor protection, which provides financial coverage for eviction costs and lost rent in qualifying situations.
What are the risks of owning a rental property in New Hampshire?
The most common risks for NH rental property owners include property damage, non-payment of rent, extended vacancy, and legal liability from non-compliance with state regulations.
Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire mitigates these risks through thorough tenant screening, regular property inspections, prompt maintenance, and strict adherence to New Hampshire landlord-tenant law — including fair housing requirements, security deposit rules, and habitability standards.
We also offer SureVestor Insurance, which provides an additional layer of financial protection for qualifying situations like eviction costs and lost rent.
How do you handle maintenance requests?
Tenants submit maintenance requests through the tenant portal. We evaluate, troubleshoot, and respond with technicians or contractors to ensure repairs are completed efficiently and to high standards.
How are repair and maintenance costs handled?
Maintenance and repair costs are deducted from your monthly rental income and itemized in your monthly financial statement — so you always know exactly what was spent and why.
We work with a vetted network of licensed and insured contractors throughout the Seacoast NH area to ensure quality work at fair market rates.
For larger repairs above an agreed-upon threshold, we contact you for approval before proceeding. You can review all maintenance history at any time through your secure owner portal.
Can I see financial reports for my rental property online?
Yes. Every Real Property Management Seacoast owner receives access to a secure online portal powered by AppFolio.
You can log in at any time to view real-time financial statements, monthly income and expense reports, maintenance history, lease documents, and inspection records.
We believe in full transparency — you should always have a clear picture of how your investment is performing.
Can you manage my NH rental property if I live out of state?
Yes — this is one of our most common client situations.
Many Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire owners are out-of-state investors or people who have relocated but still own property in the Dover, Portsmouth, or Seacoast NH area. Our technology platforms and dedicated local team allow us to manage your property, communicate with tenants, coordinate maintenance, and report to you entirely remotely.
You don’t need to be local — that’s exactly why you hire us.
Does Real Property Management Seacoast handle New Hampshire landlord-tenant law compliance?
Yes.
New Hampshire has specific laws governing how rental properties must be managed, including security deposit limits and return timelines (30 days under RSA 540-A), habitability standards, required lease disclosures, notice requirements for entry, and the formal eviction process under RSA 540.
Our team stays current on all applicable local, state, and federal regulations including NH fair housing laws and manages your property in full compliance. This reduces your legal exposure as a property owner and protects you from costly mistakes.
What makes Real Property Management Seacoast different from other property management companies in New Hampshire?
A few things set us apart.
First, property management is everything we do — we are not a real estate brokerage with management as a side business.
Second, we are backed by Real Property Management, the nation’s largest residential property management franchise, giving us enterprise-grade systems and technology that most local companies can’t match.
Third, our team is locally rooted in the Seacoast NH community, with deep knowledge of the Dover, Portsmouth, Hampton, and surrounding rental markets.
And we back all of our work with the Neighborly Done Right Promise — if we don’t do it right, we make it right.
How do I receive my monthly rental income?
Rental income is deposited directly into your bank account through our AppFolio system. You’ll receive an email notification once the deposit is made.
What fees are involved with your property management services?
Our fee structure is transparent with no hidden charges — something we’re proud to put in writing.
We charge a monthly management fee (a percentage of collected rent) and a one-time leasing fee when we place a new tenant. Additional optional services, such as our SureVestor protection plan, are available and clearly priced.
For a full breakdown, visit our Pricing page or call us at (603) 343-2202.
Contact Real Property Management Seacoast New Hampshire
Our property management strategy is guaranteed to save you money at every stage of the process. We make it easy to protect your investment, minimize costs, and maximize your income—without interrupting your daily life.

