property management license

Residential property management requires a degree of professionalism and expertise acknowledged by state-specific licensure that demonstrates a manager’s education, experience, trustworthiness, and understanding of the industry, as well as required business practices specific to property management.

Most property managers are required to hold a property management license or a real estate broker’s license in order to conduct real estate transactions, which includes those related to managing and leasing rental properties.  Only a couple of states do not have this requirement.

What Is a Property Manager Vs. A Real Estate Broker?

Property management licenses and real estate broker licenses are granted by state governments, real estate boards, or local authorities in the state where a manager conducts real estate transactions.

A property manager acts as the middleman between renters and the rental property owner. State regulations designate specific practices all property managers must follow for managing tenant and owner funds and collecting fees. States also establish landlord-tenant laws that all property managers must follow, designed to protect tenants, owners, investors and managers.  Part of these state requirements includes proper licensing to demonstrate an understanding of landlord-tenant laws and standard property management processes.

A property manager may work individually managing rental properties or as part of a larger management company.

Any individual looking to become a property manager will find general information below about types of licenses and their requirements needed to legally manage rental properties for owners and investors. A landlord who is considering hiring a property manager for their investment property should verify that all potential candidates hold a valid license for your state.

Depending on which state you manage rental property in, you are most likely required to acquire a Real Estate Broker’s License or a Property Management License.

Real Estate Broker’s License

A real estate broker’s license is the most commonly required type of accreditation needed for property management.  You should always check with your state’s real estate commission to find out which type of license you need as a property manager.

Many key components of property management are considered a real estate activity under most state’s real estate licensing laws, meaning that any person or company that engages in the lease or rental of real estate, offers real estate or who lists, offers, attempts or agrees to list real estate must have a real estate broker’s license.

Broker’s License Requirements

  • Age: Most licensed real estate brokers must be 18 years of age or older. In some cases, the age requirement is 21 to obtain a real estate broker’s license.
  • Exam: In most states, one must pass the broker’s exam, which typically includes questions about property management.
  • Trustworthiness: Most states will not grant a license to anyone who is under indictment for forgery, theft, extortion, conspiracy to defraud, or any other felony implying character untrustworthiness.
  • Education: One must complete a certain amount of classroom hours of approved broker training in order to receive a broker’s license.  The amount of required educational class time is set by the state issuing the license and ranges from 10-100 hrs.
  • Experience: In order to receive a real estate broker’s license, an applicant must demonstrate experience in the industry usually as a licensed salesperson, with real estate being the principal occupation, and have been actively practicing real estate in the time period preceding application.
  • Additional requirements may include extra safety screening, high school diploma or equivalent, and proof of state residency or US citizenship.
  • Exceptions:  There can be special circumstances where a license is not required for an on-site manager or managers who only work with one location under an employer’s license. Other cases only require individuals that are directly involved in leasing activities to acquire a specific license.  Leasing activities may include: showing the property, processing applications, negotiating lease terms, collecting rent payments, or issuing owner payments. This means that individuals who perform administrative tasks, accounting, or maintenance for a property manager or property management firm may not need to be license. In other cases, individuals may be covered by an employer’s broker’s license.

Property Management License

While a real estate broker’s license is the most common type of requirement for property managers, some state real estate boards require a property management license to engage in business related to leasing and managing rental properties.

Property management licenses involve pre-licensing instruction or coursework from an approved source, passing a property managers exam, and continuing education classes.  To receive a property management license, one must also be at least 18 years old, be a high school graduate or equivalent, be in good standing with the state’s real estate board, and in some cases pass a criminal background check.

Exceptions: In some circumstances, holding a broker’s license means that an individual does not need to have a separate property management license, as a broker’s license holder is considered to have satisfied the educational and examination requirements for licensure as property managers.

Real Estate Salesperson License

In some states an individual may work under an employer’s real estate broker’s license with only a real estate salesperson license.  To acquire a real estate salesperson license an individual must complete educational courses, pass an exam, have a trustworthy character as demonstrated by lack of criminal felony charges, and pay a fee.  Some states may require further qualifications to become licensed as a real estate salesperson.

Most broker’s licenses require one to obtain property management experience as a real estate salesperson before obtaining a broker’s license.

Leasing Agent License

Some state real estate boards created a leasing agent license specific to residential leasing activities.  Leasing agents must be sponsored and employed by a licensed broker.  To earn a leasing agent license one must complete a minimal amount of approved coursework relating to leasing residential property and pass the leasing agent exam.


The above license descriptions pertain to individuals who engage in property management and residential leasing activities for business.  Property management companies and corporations that engage in real estate leasing activities may be required to have a separate license in the firm’s name.  A property manager can further their credibility in the industry by acquiring management certification within the industry.

Special Note: This information is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or relied upon without first confirming its contents with your state real estate commission.


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