This is why I always recommend using an Independent Agent that has the best interest of the customer at heart, not the best interest of the companies bottom line. 

If you rent month-to-month, you get 30 days notice any time of year with nothing to mitigate your risk.There's a big difference between "charity" and offering a discount to reward good customers.

Wouldn't it be better for a new agent with no local network to draw upon, to try to work at a new home builder where you might make less money per sale but at least you have sales and can turn customers into potential clients down the road? 

Please contact our Customer Service team at [email protected].

Maybe I am, but if you know a guy or gal who meets this criteria become their favorite customer by telling me about him/her. 

What's the custom for allowing, not allowing, charging an extra deposit for, or any special considerations, (or none) for the issue of smoking in your apartments?

A side note your rental type dictates your customer.

I left that field and was a carpenter at a custom furniture shop for a period. 

.#1 A Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) It it's very helpful to your brand to have a good website .

Elise, I am from NJ and my properties are in PA, my PM has never charged that. 1099-MISC is for sub contractor when you pay them, as a PM you are not paying owners because we own the property, we pay you and if anything we should be sending that to the PM, but you should be professional enough to report your income, that income for you is subject to SE tax which you would have to pay. if you are going to charge your customers to cover that cost on top of your normal rate you charge, you may not get any business.