Property Management Laws in Michigan

Must Michigan property management companies have a real estate broker's license?

YES. Property management is considered a real estate activity under existing Michigan real estate licensing laws. Under the Michigan Public Act, anyone who engages in property management must have a real estate broker's license, unless they are a real estate salesperson employed by a real estate broker to engage in property management. Property management is defined as:

the leasing or renting, or the offering to lease or rent, of real property of others for a fee, commission, compensation, or other valuable consideration pursuant to a property management employment contract.

However, if the activities provided do not include leasing or renting services, a license is not required.

Are there any exceptions to the requirement that a Michigan property manager have a real estate broker's license?

Yes. For example, direct employees of a property owner engaging in property management for that owner need not be licensed.

For more information about these and other Michigan property management requirements and exceptions, please contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Before hiring a property manager to manage your Michigan rental property, you should always check that he or she is licensed appropriately. You can check the license status of Michigan property managers and the Michigan's License Verification website.

Must Michigan community association managers have a real estate broker's license?

NO. A broker's license is not required to manage community associations or condo associations in Michigan.

Michigan Real Estate Broker Licensing Requirements

Michigan real estate broker licensing requirements include:

• Trustworthiness: must provide evidence of good moral character
• Experience: Minimum of three years full-time experience in real estate
• Education: 90 clock hours of approved broker level education
• Exam: pass the broker licensing examination

Michigan Real Estate Salesperson Licensing Requirements

Michigan real estate salesperson licensing requirements include:

• Trustworthiness: must provide evidence of good moral character
• Education: 40 clock hours of approved real estate fundamentals
• Exam: pass the salesperson licensing examination

For more information about these and other licensing requirements please contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. You can also obtain useful information on their broker and salesperson licensing webpage.