Landlord FAQs
Straight answers on fees, RentSpree, warranty, and who we are. Not legal advice — your management agreement controls.
What is Equity Guard Rent / Equitiguard?
Equity Guard Rent is the public property-management brand. Equitiguard is the umbrella / product spelling used for the site. One-stop shop for landlords: leasing, screening, maintenance, rent collection, and tenant care — operated by Carlos Sotelo, REALTOR® (DRE #02054569), Team Sotelo / The Luxury Collective.
What are the management fees?
6% if you self-collect rent (also vacancy lease-to-list and ongoing occupied management). 7% (+1%) when rent is connected/collected through RentSpree. Monthly or quarterly billing is discussable. The fee in your written management agreement controls.
How does rent disbursement work?
With RentSpree-connected rent, the tenant pays via RentSpree and the owner bank is the Stripe payee. Carlos invoices the management fee separately.
Do I pay for RentSpree?
No. Carlos pays the RentSpree PRO subscription. Landlords do not buy a platform seat.
What do applicants pay for screening?
Applicant-paid by default: Standard $39.99 / Advanced $49.99.
Is there a placement fee if tenants are already in place?
Existing long-term tenants stay. A one-time placement fee typically does not apply the same way as vacancy lease-up. Conversation centers on ongoing management.
What’s included with home warranty?
After a move-in inspection confirms systems work, a typical annual plan (~$650–$700) covers wear-and-tear failures on covered mechanical systems and appliances. Pre-existing / already-broken items are not covered. Carlos coordinates claims (e.g. HomeGuard). Optional inspection ~$300. Plan details vary — see the contract.
Who do tenants call in an emergency?
818.447.5224 — 24/7 emergency line (Carlos’s cell).
What if I want to sell the rental later?
Equity Guard Rent clients who list with Carlos get a discounted 2% seller-side listing commission. Buyer-side compensation (if any) is negotiated with the offer. Commissions are negotiable and not fixed by law.
Are you affiliated with other “Equity Guard” brands or EquityKey?
No affiliation with any other Equity Guard trademark. Equity Guard Rent / Equitiguard is original PM branding. EquityKey / equitikey.com is a separate related product for foreclosure/equity counseling — not merged into this PM site.
Is this legal or tax advice?
No. Rent-control, just-cause, notice, and tax rules depend on the property and ownership. Confirm with counsel and your CPA. California DRE #02054569. The written management agreement controls services and fees.