Do I need a Broker or R/E License to manage STR properties in Georgia?

Question

Do I need to get a Brokers License, Property Management License, or other license in order to provide STR management services?

David Holcombe · Answer

Hi Rosston, You can be an AirBnB Co-host without a license handling guest communications and marketing in GA. But if you want to sign leases for properties that are owned by someone other than yourself, handle collecting funds or other property management services, you have to be a licensed agent or broker in Georgia. See below Source here.

"Must a Georgia property management company have a real estate broker's license?

YES. Key components of property management (renting and leasing) are considered real estate activities under existing Georgia real estate licensing laws. According to Georgia rules, "property management services" mean:

The provision, for valuable consideration, to another of marketing, including referring prospective tenants; leasing; physical, administrative, or financial maintenance; and overall management of real property; or supervision of the foregoing activities for another pursuant to a property management agreement.

A real estate license is required to perform these services. A salesperson working under a broker may engage in such activities. Also, unlicensed employees of brokers may engage in limited activities, such as receiving lease applications, showing rental units, and menial tasks, as long as certain conditions are met."

Zachary Cain Humphrey · Answer

To co host properties you do not need a real estate license but to property manage Im not sure if you do or do not. There is a difference in some states over "co hosting" and "property management" though both are essentially the same thing

Rosston Smith · Answer

Hey Mark! Appreciate the reply. So this question is actually not if I must have a management company to manage my own property, but if a manager of short term rental properties needs a Brokers License or Property Management license in order to manage other's properties. By the way I looked into this and the answer is in Georgia: No.

Thanks!

Mark Faulkner · Answer

@Rosston Smith

No, you are not required to have a professional management company. You can manage it yourself, however, a property management company will significantly reduce your time spent managing the property AND mitigate your risk for you. Having a proper lease, qualifying tenants, managing maintenance and repairs, and unforeseen issues are time-consuming.

How much free time do you have & How valuable is your time are questions that you need to answer for yourself when determining to hire a property manager.

Do I need a Broker or R/E License to manage STR properties in Georgia?

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