MN Property Manager Requirements

[Daniel Godbout]

Hi, what would be the requirements if I wanted to have my father (non-owner) manage a property (SFR) for me in MN? Real estate license, background check, other? I went through the tenant/landlord handbook a little while back, but I don't recall it specifically addressing that.

[James Hamling]

@Daniel Godbout Sorry i couldn't chime in earlier to lend some insight but this is first time this came across my awareness. 

To clarify, in MN a person must be a licensed to perform at-charge Property Management services, for others, on a standard commerce basis. 

SO why all the legalize right, well because like any good law there is a series of if's, but's and when's. 

In your instance, as the owner of the property you can have a direct non-licensed employee to perform property management. They must be exclusive to your properties ("your" as in the company that employs them). Now this does create a chain of liability where you (the employer) is liable for any misdeeds by the non-licensed employee be it by intent or ignorance, it will not matter. 

This is why for an investor who get's to a certain portfolio size where they could just hire someone directly and take on yet another role (employer), there is still value in a PM via the shield a licensed PM provides. 

Is the state a fan of those who manage in this manner, not so much, but a good reply is why they don't take issue with the countless employed non-licensed managers at apartment communities all over? And hands down the #1 violators of tenants rights (I mean legit cringe stuff) are those large communities, not investors like those who make up the majority of BP. 

A bit after the fact but maybe find some use of the info.