Burris & Douglas Rentals in Chattanooga: Full-Service Management for Single-Family and Small Multifamily Properties
Burris & Douglas Rentals is a locally operated property management company serving Chattanooga landlords and property owners with leasing, tenant placement, and ongoing property oversight. The firm handles residential rentals ranging from single-family homes to small multifamily buildings across the Chattanooga area, positioning itself as an alternative to national management chains and individual landlord self-management.
What Burris & Douglas Rentals Actually Does
The company manages the operational and financial sides of rental properties on behalf of owners. This includes tenant screening and placement, rent collection, maintenance coordination, lease enforcement, and routine property inspections. The firm acts as the landlord's representative in tenant communications and dispute resolution. Burris & Douglas focuses on residential properties rather than commercial or industrial leases, making it a fit for individual investors and small portfolio holders rather than institutional real estate operators.
Services and Fee Structure
Burris & Douglas charges a percentage-based monthly management fee, typically in the range of 8 to 10 percent of collected rent, though this varies based on property type, portfolio size, and service scope. This is standard within Chattanooga property management but sits at the lower end compared to national chain pricing, which often runs 10 to 12 percent. The firm also collects one-time fees for tenant placement and leasing, typically $300 to $500 per unit, and passes through actual costs for maintenance, repairs, and contractor services at cost plus a modest markup. Owners should verify current rates directly, as fee structures can shift based on market conditions and service add-ons.
Included services cover tenant advertising and showing, application screening and approval, lease preparation and execution, monthly rent collection and accounting, property inspections, maintenance request coordination, and eviction support if needed. The firm maintains its own maintenance network rather than relying solely on owner contacts, which can speed repairs but also ties pricing to the company's vendor agreements.
How Burris & Douglas Compares to Other Chattanooga Options
Chattanooga landlords generally choose between three approaches: hiring a local independent property manager like Burris & Douglas, using a national chain such as Rent Manager or Zillow's platform-based services, or managing properties themselves.
Independent local managers typically charge 8 to 10 percent and often know the Chattanooga rental market, local tenant patterns, and area maintenance costs more intimately than national firms. They are often more flexible on contract terms and more accessible for direct conversation. Burris & Douglas fits this profile.
National platforms and franchises charge 10 to 12 percent but offer standardized systems, broader advertising reach, and less personalized interaction. They work well for owners with multiple properties in different cities or those wanting minimal direct involvement.
Self-management eliminates fees but demands the owner's time for screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and legal compliance. Chattanooga's tight rental market and strong tenant protections under Tennessee law make this riskier for inexperienced landlords.
Choose Burris & Douglas if you own one to five properties in the Chattanooga area, value local knowledge, and want to reduce your personal management burden without paying national-chain premiums. Choose a national platform if you own properties across multiple states or prefer a fully automated system. Self-manage only if you have experience with local tenant law and reliable maintenance contacts.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
Burris & Douglas serves Chattanooga landlords with 1 to 20 rental units who want professional management but prefer a local relationship. It works well for out-of-state owners and for investors who own properties in Chattanooga but lack local market knowledge or on-site presence.
The firm is less suitable for owners of single, low-rent properties where 8 to 10 percent of monthly rent may feel substantial in dollar terms, or for owners who require highly customized or niche services. It is also not a fit for commercial or industrial property owners seeking net-lease or triple-net arrangements.
What the First Engagement Involves
Property owners typically start with a consultation to review the property's condition, current lease status, and any existing tenant issues. Burris & Douglas will evaluate the property's rental market position in Chattanooga, sometimes recommending rent adjustments based on comparable units. If the property is vacant, the firm handles photography, listing placement, showing coordination, and tenant screening. If occupied, it establishes a baseline relationship with the current tenant and begins routine inspections and vendor coordination. The owner signs a management agreement, usually with a 30 to 60 day termination clause, though the specifics should be confirmed with the firm.
Hours, Contact, and Logistics
Burris & Douglas operates as a standard business office during Chattanooga business hours. Property owners and tenants communicate primarily by phone or email. The firm does not maintain a retail storefront; all interaction is transactional. Verify current phone, email, and office hours directly before initiating contact.
Burris & Douglas fills a practical niche for Chattanooga landlords seeking to reduce personal management work without outsourcing to a national chain. Its local market position and transparent fee structure make it a credible option for investors with a handful of residential rental properties in the area.
