Property Managers
Why Your Property Manager Should Be a Licensed Realtor®
Managing a rental property is more than collecting rent, it's about protecting your investment, staying compliant with California law, and ensuring your property is managed with professionalism and care.
In California, property management is legally defined as a real estate activity. This means that anyone who leases, rents, markets, or collects rent on your behalf must hold a valid real estate broker's license, or be a licensed Realtor® working under a broker.
It's the Law:
According to the California Department of Real Estate, a broker's license is required for any individual or company that, for compensation:
* Leases or rents property or offers to lease or rent
* Lists properties for rent or solicits tenants
* Negotiates lease terms or collects rent
* Facilitates the sale, purchase, or exchange of leasehold interests
---> Hiring an unlicensed person, or company to perform these activities is a violation of California law and could put property owners at serious legal and financial risk.
Why Choose a Licensed Realtor® Property Manager:
When you choose a licensed Realtor® to manage your property, you're choosing professionalism, accountability, and peace of mind.
Our licensed real estate professionals & property managers ensure:
* Compliance with all state real estate regulations.
* Proper handling of trust funds and rent payments.
* Knowledgeable tenant placement and lease negotiation.
* Ethical and transparent management practices.
* Dedicated protection of your investment.
Why Property Management Companies Must Maintain a Trust Account:
A trust account is a special type of bank account required by California law for licensed real estate brokers and property management companies who handle client funds, including tenants' rent payments, security deposits, and owner disbursements.
Compliance with California Real Estate Law:
In California, property managers who collect rent or hold tenant funds are legally required to deposit those monies into a separate trust account. This ensures that the funds belong to the property owner and are not commingled with the company's operating or personal accounts.
Maintaining a trust account demonstrates full compliance with the California Department of Real Estate (DRE) regulations, which are designed to protect both landlords and tenants.
Protection for Property Owners and Tenants:
A properly managed trust account provides transparency, accountability, and protection for all parties involved.
For Property Owners: You can be confident your rental income is handled lawfully, accurately, and securely.
For Tenants: It ensures deposits and rent payments are safeguarded and recorded according to state guidelines.
For Property Managers: It builds trust and credibility, while avoiding serious legal or financial penalties for mishandling funds.
Transparency You Can Trust:
All rent payments, deposits, and disbursements are tracked and reconciled regularly, ensuring clear records and full transparency. A licensed property management company operating a DRE-compliant trust account gives you peace of mind knowing your funds are protected and managed with integrity.
Legal Support You Can Rely On:
We understand that legal challenges can arise in property management from lease disputes to evictions. That's why we partner with some of the best landlord-tenant attorneys in California. Our legal partners specialize in protecting property owners' rights and have a strong record of success in resolving disputes and handling eviction cases efficiently and lawfully.
Partner with a Professional You Can Trust:
At Bay Area Property Connection Inc, every property manager is a licensed Realtor® and certified property manager, committed to delivering reliable, compliant, and high-quality management services that make your life easier and your investment more profitable.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you manage your property with confidence and care.
Sincerely,
Bay Area Property Connection Inc.
(510) 929-5799