Q: Do we accept Section 8?

A: Yes.  However this does not eliminate the application process.  All Applicants are required to fill out the online application and will be evaluated the same as any other applicant.  All applicants are required to have rental, work, and personal references, as well as a solid credit history.  Criminal history is also taken into consideration. 

We do not waive any standard fees or deposits for section 8 applicants.

Q:  Are we Real Estate Agents?

A: No.  We are strictly in the business of Property Management and cannot represent a home owner nor a tenant in a “rent-to-own” or “for sale by owner” scenario, this is illegal in the State of Maine.

Q: How can I be sure you will find a quality tenant for my rental?

A: SPM thoroughly investigates all applicants in accordance with local state laws, checks references, and reviews all facts and findings with the home owners to find a perfect fit for each home!  An important part of our tenant screening is through the services of Tenant-Net.

Q: Who is Tenant-Net?

A: Tenant-Net, a Maine corporation was created in 1994 by three attorneys with one purpose in mind: collect and distribute timely, pertinent information so property owners and managers could assess and screen potential tenants. Based in Saco, Maine, Tenant-Net has been Maine owned and operated since opening for business.

   1. They assemble accurate, relevant information.

   2. They deliver it to our customer-members swiftly, and cost effectively.

   3. They are unbiased and objective.

   4. No other comparable service in Maine has the depth or breadth of records as does Tenant-Net.

You can find them on the web at www.goodtenants.net

Q: So, what does “tenant screening” mean?

A: Tenant–Net checks certain databases and records repositories if a tenant–applicant specifically authorizes a background search. Here’s where they go, and what they do:

   1. Full Credit Report – provide a full trade line report on your prospective tenant. You can review your applicant's financial history, see their credit score, and verify their identity.

   2. Eviction Report – Tenant-Net has the most extensive and updated Maine eviction database in the industry.

   3. Tenancy History/Report – Their members submit detailed reports regarding their tenants. These reports are specific, objective and identify both the good tenants and the bad.

   4. Prior Applications Report – Their database tracks prior applications of a particular tenant.

   5. Sexual Predator/Offender Check – Tenant–Net will conduct a search to see if your potential tenant has a past conviction as a sexual offender.

   6. US Marshal's Search – Tenant-Net runs your tenants name through the US Marshal's Service list of known and wanted fugitives.

   7. Money Judgments – Tenant-Net also checks its database of Maine collections, small claims and disclosures to determine if your applicant has been the subject of a Money judgment Court action.

   8. U.S. Bankruptcy Court (Maine) – They also research records in the US Bankruptcy Court for Maine to see if your applicant has ever been party to a bankruptcy proceeding.

Then, they deliver the results of that background search to the Owner/Manager designated by our tenant–applicant.

Q: What determines the rent for my property?

A: Ultimately the rental market. We will make a rent evaluation to you based on our market analysis of your property and the current market conditions.  You will determine the final rent prior to advertising the property.

Q: Who pays for the marketing of my property?

A: We pay for all signage and labor costs related to marketing your property for rent.  We will also place your property on the web throughout various rental search engines, including our own website as a premier property.  We also distribute your property out through our established email network to hundreds of other property managers, realtors, and various other individuals that are in the market of buying, selling, or renting homes. 

If the owner wants additional advertising, including web sites we are not affiliated with or in various newspapers or periodicals, the homeowner will pay those costs separately, but we will do the work.