Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the basic fees?
A: We don’t require any funds upfront and only get paid when the property is rented.
- Tenant Placement Fee: One month’s rent
- Monthly Management Fee: 8%
- Renewal Fee: 15%
- Additional fees may include Lead paint test for properties built before 1978, MDE Registration, Radon test, coordination fees, rental license fees [ per property, per jurisdiction] , Registration with the Montgomery County Rent Registry & District of Columbia Rent Registry, assistance with Basic Business License inspections in DC, etc.
Q: Who is my Point of Contact at GGPM?
A: We work as a team and you will have access to our whole team, During onboarding, multiple team members may reach out, but Denzel Marshall, head of the Maintenance Division, will be your main POC afterward for maintenance items, or call the main line to ask for assistance in any area and we will route you to the correct team member.
Q: How is the property marketed?
A: We conduct a professional photo shoot and virtual tour, advertising across Realtor.com, Zillow, MLS, Homes.com, our website, and over 100 other platforms, as well as through contacts with relocation firms, embassies, and military.
Q: Who handles questions about my statement?
A: Toni Nottingham, the in-house statement expert, will assist with any queries and follow up as needed.
Q: Do you offer discounts?
A: Yes, we offer discounts for Active or Retired US Military or Foreign Service officers.
Q: What can I leave behind?
A: Ideally, nothing. If necessary, we’ll help dispose of items like paint or cleaning supplies, as leaving “hazardous materials” can violate the lease in most jurisdictions.
Q: What about a gas grill, jacuzzi, or playground equipment?
A: These items can be sold to tenants for $1.00, transferring liability to them with an agreement to sell back upon lease termination, or tenants can sign a lease addendum not to use them.
Q: Do I need to clean the home when I vacate?
A: A clean home is required upon turnover, which we can coordinate for you with our preferred vendors. This may include services like house cleaning, carpet cleaning, gutter cleaning, dry vent cleaning, fireplace chimney sweep and additional wipe-down may be needed prior to tenant occupancy.
Q: Will tenants return the property in the same condition?
A: We require tenants to maintain the property as it was given to them. Inspections are conducted before move-in, every 6 months and after move-out, with digital photo documentation. We can utilize the security deposit to offset damage in excess of normal “wear & tear” based on each jurisdiction’s guidelines.
Q: How will I receive rental proceeds?
A: After rent clears, it will be deposited into your account within 1-4 business days. Rent is due on the 1st, with late fees applicable starting the 11th.
Q: What if rent is late?
A: We contact tenants via call, email, and text. If unresolved, depending on jurisdiction, we file a 10-day notice or non-payment case in court, which could lead to eviction proceedings if necessary.
Q: How are repairs handled?
A: We use preferred vendors vetted by GGPM, all licensed and insured, ensuring quick service and accountability at preferred pricing. We also troubleshoot with the tenants on the phone to walk them through scenarios that could be remedied without a visit by a vendor.
Q: Can I use my own contractor?
A: We prefer our contractors due to familiarity with our system. If an outside contractor fails to respond within 2-4 hours, we proceed with our vendors.
Q: What if I have a service contract (e.g., HVAC, pest management)?
A: Send us the contract, and we’ll honor it, coordinating as needed.
Q: What if I have a home warranty?
A: We recommend canceling it. Home warranties can cause issues with tenant scheduling and approval processes, leading to frustration.
Q: What qualifies as an emergency repair?
A: Emergencies include gas smell, fire, electrical issues, uncontrollable leaks, roof leaks, and critical safety issues.
Q: Can renovations be done during tenancy or at turnover?
A: Yes, we can handle repairs of any scale, and some homeowners choose to make improvements during or after tenancy as a tax write-off.
Q: What is your pet policy?
A: We verify Emotional Support Animals [ ESA] via a pet screening service and review applicant responses. click here for a summary : Pet screening site – we use www.petscreening.com – if a pet is approved we require Tenants to pay $30.00 for our preferred A+ pet insurance policy which covers liability protection for Tenants, and Landlords and offers up to $1500 of additional coverage for damage above and beyond the the total amount of the security deposit.
Q: How are utilities managed between tenancies?
A: We assist by sending “utility transfer forms” signed by you and notifying providers. Bills may be redirected in your name c/o GGPM and our address. We may ask Landlords who live in the US to assist in transferring utilities into your name since 2025 utility companies are becoming difficult to work with and may not allow GGPM to set up service in our name due to security deposits required and non use of a commercial address for billing. One option we have found is we use a company called Citizen who can assist in the transfer during the gap, but they charge $10.00 per utility to set up for you. Call us for more detail.
Q: What is a BBL?
A: A Basic Business License, required in Washington, DC, for rental properties. We recommend Rent Jiffy for assistance.
Q: How many properties do you manage?
A: GGPM manages 606 properties, some small multi-family buildings in DC and MD, with a team of 10 full-time and 2 part-time employees.