Do you need a license to be a property manager in Maryland?

In Maryland, managing or renting property for others for pay is real estate work that needs a license: the real estate salesperson license, issued by the Maryland Real Estate Commission. Leasing apartments for others generally needs a license too. The exact wording, with any exceptions, is below.

Managing property for others"(l) “Provide real estate brokerage services” means to engage in any of the following activities: (1) for consideration, providing any of the following services for another person: (i) selling, buying, exchanging, or leasing any real estate; or (ii) collecting rent for the use of any real estate; ... (n) “Real estate broker” means an individual who provides real estate brokerage services." official source
On-site and employee exemptions"(5) an owner or lessor of any real estate while managing, leasing, or selling the real estate, unless the primary business of the owner or lessor is providing real estate brokerage services; or" "(o) “Real estate salesperson” means an individual who, while affiliated with and acting on behalf of a real estate broker, provides real estate brokerage services." official source
Leasing agents"(2) for consideration, assisting another person to locate or obtain for purchase or lease any residential real estate;" official source
Licensing agencyMaryland Real Estate Commission (State Real Estate Commission) official source
CredentialReal estate salesperson license (also associate real estate broker and real estate broker licenses) official source

Checked against official Maryland 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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