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

In Minnesota, managing or renting property for others for pay is real estate work that needs a license: the real estate salesperson license, issued by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The law exempts some staff employed by a property owner or a licensed broker, such as on-site or leasing employees doing limited tasks. The exact wording, with any exceptions, is below.

Managing property for others"(a) for another and for commission, fee, or other valuable consideration or with the intention or expectation of receiving the same directly or indirectly lists, sells, exchanges, buys or rents, manages, or offers or attempts to negotiate a sale, option, exchange, purchase or rental of an interest or estate in real estate, or advertises or holds out as engaged in these activities;" official source
On-site and employee exemptions"(d) any custodian, janitor, or employee of the owner or manager of a residential building who leases residential units in the building;" ""Real estate salesperson" means one who acts on behalf of a real estate broker in performing any act authorized by this chapter to be performed by the broker." "Unless a person is licensed or otherwise required to be licensed under this chapter, the term real estate broker does not include:" official source
Leasing agents"(d) any custodian, janitor, or employee of the owner or manager of a residential building who leases residential units in the building;" official source
Licensing agencyMinnesota Department of Commerce official source
CredentialReal estate salesperson license (broker license for brokers) official source

Checked against official Minnesota 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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