How To Become a Property Manager
How To Become a Property Manager
How do you become a property manager?
Are you organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy working with people? A property management career might be perfect for you. Whether you want to manage apartments, commercial buildings, or vacation rentals, there are a few steps you'll need to follow.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to become a successful property manager, including education requirements, licensing information, salary expectations, and the skills you'll need to excel in this dynamic field.
What does a property manager do?
Property managers connect property owners and tenants. Their responsibilities typically include:
Finding and screening tenants
Handling lease agreements and renewals
Collecting rent and managing finances
Coordinating maintenance and repairs
Ensuring compliance with property laws and regulations
Responding to tenant complaints and concerns
Managing property staff (maintenance workers, leasing agents, etc.)
Marketing vacant properties
Conducting regular property inspections
As a property manager, you'll need to be comfortable wearing multiple hats—from salesperson to accountant to mediator.
Skills needed for success
Successful property managers typically possess these key skills:
Communication skills: You'll be constantly interacting with tenants, owners, contractors, and staff.
Organization: Managing multiple properties requires excellent organizational abilities.
Problem-solving: From maintenance emergencies to tenant disputes, you'll need to think on your feet.
Financial management: Understanding budgets, financial reports, and basic accounting principles is essential.
Marketing knowledge: Advertising vacant properties effectively helps minimize vacancies.
Legal knowledge: You'll need familiarity with landlord-tenant laws, fair housing regulations, and property laws.
Technology skills: Property managers must be proficient with property management software, digital marketing tools, and office applications.
Steps to becoming a property manager
If you're ready to launch a career in property management, you'll want to follow a clear path to ensure you meet all the requirements and set yourself up for long-term success. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a career switch, these are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Meet the basic requirements
Before you dive in, make sure you check the basic boxes to ensure you're eligible to work in property management:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (requirements may vary by state).
Step 2: Get the right education
Most states require some formal education before you can manage properties. This usually means taking pre-licensing courses in real estate. These classes teach you the ins and outs of property law, leasing, and ethical practices—essential knowledge for any property manager.
Many employers prefer candidates with some college education or a bachelor's degree, especially for managing larger or more complex properties. Relevant degree programs include:
Business Administration
Real Estate
Finance
Property Management
Public Administration
Step 3: Pass your state's licensing exam
Licensing requirements for property managers vary significantly by state. Many states require property managers to hold a real estate license or a specialized property management license, especially if they're involved in leasing or rent collection.
If your state requires licensing, the process typically involves:
Meeting minimum age and education requirements
Completing pre-licensing education courses
Passing a licensing examination
Applying and paying licensing fees
Completing continuing education to maintain your license
Always check with your state's real estate commission or regulatory agency for specific requirements.
Step 4: Get hired by a brokerage or property management firm
In some states, you can't just start managing properties on your own—you may need to "hang" your license with a real estate brokerage or property management firm. This means working under a licensed broker who oversees your work, especially as you gain experience.
Even if it's not a state requirement, working under a real estate broker initially is a solid step for learning the ropes and building your network.
Step 5: Consider property management certification
Professional certifications aren't always required, but they can substantially enhance your reputation and job search success. Some of the most recognized certifications include:
From the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM):
From the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM):
From the National Apartment Association (NAA):
Successful completion of these certifications typically requires both practical experience and educational credentials, in addition to passing a relevant examination. Many also require continuing education to maintain certification, ensuring you stay current with industry trends and regulations.
Step 6: Gain experience and grow your career
Many property managers begin their careers in entry-level positions like:
Leasing agent
Administrative assistant
Maintenance coordinator
Assistant property manager
On-site property manager
These jobs let you handle day-to-day operations, work with tenants, and learn property maintenance—valuable hands-on experience that can serve as stepping stones to full property management positions.
Step 7: Start your own property management company (optional)
Once you've built up experience and, in some states, obtained a broker's license, you might decide to start your own property management business. This lets you work independently and grow your own client base. Just remember, some states have specific rules about how you can structure your company, so check local regulations first.
How to become a property manager in California
California doesn't have a specific property management license, but property managers who perform certain activities need a real estate license. If you want to work in a position that lists rental properties, collects rent, manages deposit accounts, or negotiates leases on behalf of property owners, you'll typically need to be at least 18 years old and:
Complete 3 college-level courses approved by the California Department of Real Estate.
Pass the California Real Estate Salesperson licensing exam.
Submit your application and pay the required fee.
Work under a licensed real estate broker.
Some on-site property management positions and administrative roles under a real estate broker or property owner don't require a California real estate license.
How to become a property manager in Florida
Florida requires property managers who lease, rent, or manage properties for others to have a real estate license. Here's the process:
You must be at least 18 years old.
Complete a 63-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Florida Real Estate Commission.
Pass the Florida Real Estate Sales Associate exam with a score of 75% or higher.
Work under a licensed real estate broker.
In Florida, property management is considered a real estate activity, so licensing is strictly enforced. However, employees who are paid a salary (not commission) to manage properties for their employer may be exempt from licensing requirements.
How to become a property manager in Texas
Texas also requires property managers to hold a real estate license if they are performing leasing, negotiating rentals, or collecting rent for others.
Steps to get started in Texas:
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
Complete 180 hours of Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC)-approved pre-licensing education.
Pass the Texas Real Estate Salesperson exam and find a sponsoring broker.
Apply for your Texas Real Estate Sales Agent license.
To operate independently or run a property management company, you’ll need a broker’s license, which requires additional education, experience, and passing the broker’s exam.
Exceptions:
Texas property owners can manage their own properties without a license.
Salaried employees managing property for their employer and community/condo association managers are also exempt from licensing requirements.
FAQs about property management
How much do property managers make?
The average salary for property managers in the United States is approximately $58,000 per year, with most professionals earning between $38,000 and $84,000 annually. Salaries vary significantly based on location, experience, education, property type, and portfolio size.
Do you need a license to be a property manager?
In most states, you need a real estate license to legally manage properties for others, especially if you’re handling leasing, rent collection, or negotiating contracts. Some states have additional requirements or allow for property management-specific licenses. Always check your state’s regulations, as a few states have exceptions for on-site managers or owner-managed properties.
Can a real estate agent be a property manager?
Yes, real estate agents can work as property managers, and in many states, having a real estate license is actually a requirement for property management. The skills and knowledge overlap significantly between the two professions. Many real estate professionals manage properties as an additional income stream alongside their sales activities, or they may transition entirely to property management for more consistent income.
How long does it take to become a property manager?
The timeline to become a property manager varies based on your chosen path and your state's education and licensing requirements. You could begin working in entry-level property management within a few months, but becoming a fully qualified, licensed, and certified property manager might take 1 to 5 years.
Is it hard to become a property manager?
While becoming a property manager isn't exceptionally difficult, it does require dedication, attention to detail, and people skills. The challenging aspects include:
Learning and staying current with property laws and regulations
Managing tenant relationships and conflicts
Balancing the interests of both property owners and tenants
Handling maintenance emergencies and unexpected issues
Keeping properties fully occupied while maintaining profitability
However, for organized individuals who enjoy problem-solving and working with people, property management can be a rewarding career path with good job stability. The barrier to entry is relatively low compared to many professional careers, especially in states with fewer licensing requirements.
Tips for success in property management
Property management offers a dynamic, stable career path with opportunities for growth and specialization. Whether you're managing residential apartments, commercial office spaces, or industrial properties, these core skills remain essential:
Stay organized: You'll juggle multiple properties and tenants-good systems are key.
Communicate clearly: Strong relationships with tenants and property owners make your job easier.
Keep learning: Laws and best practices change, so stay updated with continuing education and certifications.
Network: Join local real estate associations to meet other professionals and find new opportunities.
Invest in your career: A real estate license not only boosts your credibility but also opens doors to more advanced roles and higher earning potential. These guides provide more information on getting licensed as a real estate professional:
Guide to Real Estate License Costs
Guide to Real Estate Exam Costs
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.