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Common questions

Property management, plainly answered.

If you don't see your question here, call us at 831-713-5226 or email hello@solarispm.com.

For owners & investors

Property management basics

What areas does Solaris serve?

Santa Cruz County (Santa Cruz, Capitola, Aptos, Soquel, Scotts Valley) and Santa Clara County (Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Monte Sereno, San Jose). See our full service areas page.

What's the difference between Tenant Placement and Full-Service Management?

Tenant Placement is a one-time service — we market, screen, lease, and hand off. Full-Service is ongoing — we manage rent, maintenance, inspections, accounting, and compliance for the life of the tenancy. Compare side-by-side →

How much does property management cost?

Pricing varies by tier and property. Tenant Placement is typically a one-time fee based on a percentage of the first month's rent. Full-Service is a flat monthly rate or a percentage of monthly rent. We'll send a transparent quote with your free rental analysis.

How quickly can you place a tenant?

For market-ready homes in our service area, 2–4 weeks is typical. We use professional photography, syndicated listings, and TenantTurner for fast, qualified showings.

How are owners paid?

We collect rent, deduct fees and approved maintenance, and direct-deposit the net to your bank. Statements live in the Buildium owner portal 24/7. 1099-ready at year-end.

What happens if a tenant doesn't pay?

We follow up immediately, serve any required California legal notices, and — if it comes to it — coordinate the eviction with a vetted real estate attorney. You're kept in the loop at every step.

Do you handle maintenance?

Yes. Full-Service clients get a 24/7 maintenance line and a vetted vendor network. We follow your approval thresholds for non-emergency work.

For vacation rental owners

Short-term & vacation rentals

Where do you manage vacation rentals?

Coastal Santa Cruz County — Capitola, Aptos, Santa Cruz (per local STR ordinances), and Soquel. We keep our STR coverage tight so our crews can respond fast.

What's included in vacation rental management?

Listing setup, professional photography, dynamic pricing, multi-channel distribution (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, direct), guest communications, professional turnover, maintenance, smart locks, STR permit & TOT compliance, and owner reporting. See the full list →

How is pricing structured for vacation rentals?

Most owners choose performance-based pricing (a percentage of monthly booking revenue). Hybrid and à la carte options are available. We send a custom proposal with your free STR income estimate.

Do you help with STR permits and Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)?

Yes. We help owners obtain or maintain local short-term rental permits, business licenses, and file Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) returns.

For residents

Applying & living with Solaris

How do I find a Solaris rental?

All currently listed homes are on our TenantTurner listings page. Click any property to schedule a showing.

What's the application fee?

$32 per applicant 18 and over. The fee is non-refundable.

How long does it take to be approved?

Allow at least 2 business days after we receive all required documentation. Multiple applications may be reviewed for the same property.

What documents do I need to apply?

Photo ID, completed rental application, credit & background screening (run via our portal), and proof of income (W-2 paystubs or self-employment documents). Every applicant also completes a PetScreening profile.

Do you allow pets?

Policy varies by property. Approved pets incur a $250 charge per pet added to the security deposit. Assistance animals are accommodated per Fair Housing law.

Where do I pay rent or submit maintenance requests?

Both happen in the Buildium resident portal. Pay online via ACH or autopay; submit non-emergency maintenance requests 24/7.

For real estate agents

Referrals

Will Solaris try to list my client's property for sale?

No. We don't have a sales arm. When your client is ready to sell, refinance, or do a 1031, we route them directly back to you.

How does the REALTOR® referral fee work?

We pay competitive referral fees on every new account we close from your referral. We send a written referral agreement before the management contract is signed. Contact us for current rates. Submit a referral →

Still have questions?

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