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

In Ohio, managing or renting property for others for pay is real estate work that needs a license: the real estate salesperson license, issued by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. 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"person who, for another and for a fee, operates, manages, rents, offers, or attempts to operate, manage, or rent, other than as a custodian, care- taker, or janitor, any building or options of build- ings to the public as tenants." official source
On-site and employee exemptions"W-2 employees may manage property owned by their employer;" "Your employees may manage properties you own without a license." "A real estate license is not required if: you are a person working under the supervision of a broker and whose compensation for service is primarily on a salaried or hourly basis and if you only per- form the following limited duties:" "If you are a salaried or hourly employee supervised by a broker, you may perform these duties without a license: Maintenance Clerical or administrative support Showing residential rental units to prospective tenants Providing published information Supplying applications and leases Receiving applications and leases for submission to the owner or brokerage Collecting or accepting rents and security deposits payable to the owner or brokerage" official source
Leasing agents"Showing residential rental units to prospective tenants" official source
Licensing agencyOhio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing official source
CredentialReal estate salesperson license / real estate broker license official source

Checked against official Ohio 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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