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

In Washington, managing or renting property for others for pay is real estate work that needs a license: the real estate broker license, issued by the Washington State Department of 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"(h) Performing property management services, which includes with no limitation: Marketing; leasing; renting; the physical, administrative, or financial maintenance of real property; or the supervision of such actions. ... It is unlawful for any person to act as a real estate broker, managing broker, or real estate firm without first obtaining a license therefor, and otherwise complying with the provisions of this chapter." official source
On-site and employee exemptions"(1) Any person who purchases or disposes of property and/or a business opportunity for that individual's own account, or that of a group of which the person is a member, and their employees;" "(13) Any person employed or retained by, for, or on behalf of the owner or on behalf of a designated or managing broker if the person is limited in property management to any of the following activities: (a) Delivering a lease application, a lease, or any amendment thereof to any person;" "(c) Showing a rental unit to any person, or executing leases or rental agreements, and the employee or retainee is acting under the direct instruction of the owner or designated or managing broker; ... (e) Assisting in the performance of property management functions by carrying out administrative, clerical, financial, or maintenance tasks." official source
Leasing agents"(c) Showing a rental unit to any person, or executing leases or rental agreements, and the employee or retainee is acting under the direct instruction of the owner or designated or managing broker; ... (d) Providing information about a rental unit, a lease, an application for lease, or a security deposit and rental amounts to any prospective tenant; or" official source
Licensing agencyWashington State Department of Licensing (real estate commission advisory) official source
CredentialReal estate broker license (entry level; managing broker is the next level) official source

Checked against official Washington 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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