Do you need a license to be a property manager in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia has a separate property manager license: managing property for others needs the property Manager license, issued by the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission. Leasing apartments for others generally needs a license too. The exact wording, with any exceptions, is below.

Managing property for others"the term “property manager” means an agent for the owner of real estate in all matters pertaining to property management as defined in this subchapter, which are under his or her direction, and who is paid a commission, fee, or other valuable consideration for his or her services." official source
On-site and employee exemptions"(2) Any individual who, as an owner or lessor of real estate, shall perform any of the acts specified in this subsection, where the acts are performed in the regular course of, or incident to, the management of real estate, business and the investments therein owned by that individual;" "A property manager may employ resident managers. The property manager shall be held accountable for the day-to-day job-related activities of the property manager’s employees. The property manager shall not perform any activities that relate to listing for sale, offering for sale, buying or offering to buy, negotiating the purchase, sale, or exchange of real estate, or negotiating a loan on real estate for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration. ( Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-261, § 1002, 46 DCR 3142 .) Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 47-2853.141. Section References This section is referenced in § 8-2201 . Previous Part K. Property M" "(5) Any person who is employed by a licensed real estate broker or property manager in a solely stenographic or clerical capacity and who does not perform, offer, agree, or attempt to perform, any of the activities specified in this subsection;" "(7) Any person who, for a fee, commission, or other valuable consideration, identifies for another person, or provides any other information about, any rental unit available for rent; or (8) Any qualifying nonprofit housing organization as defined by § 47-3505(a) . ( Apr. 20, 1999, D.C. Law 12-261, § 1002, 46 DCR 3142 ; June 16, 2006, D.C. Law 16-130, § 2(m), 53 DCR 4718 .) Prior Codifications 1981 Ed., § 47-2853.181. Effect of Amendments D.C. Law 16-130 , in par. (2), substituted “individual” for “person”. Emergency Legislation For temporary (90 day) amendment of section, see § 2(n) of Non-Health Related Occupations and Professions Licensure" official source
Leasing agents"the term “real estate salesperson” means any person employed by a licensed real estate broker to manage or lease; rent or offer to lease or rent; list for sale, sell, or offer for sale; buy or offer to buy; negotiate the purchase or sale, or exchange of real estate; or to negotiate a loan on real estate." official source
Licensing agencyDistrict of Columbia Real Estate Commission (Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection) official source
CredentialProperty Manager license (separate from real estate broker and salesperson licenses) official source

Checked against official District of Columbia sources on Oct 27, 2026. This is not legal advice: rules change and exemptions depend on who employs you, so confirm with the licensing agency. This page lists only what we could confirm on an official page.

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