Oregon Property Management Licensing Requirements
Step-by-step guide to meeting licensing requirements to manage property in Oregon
If you plan to manage rental property for others in Oregon, licensing is required in most cases. This guide walks through the steps, requirements, costs, and where to complete each part of the process.
Last updated: April 2026
All requirements below are based on guidance from the Oregon Real Estate Agency and applicable Oregon statutes.
Important: Oregon has more than one licensing path. This article focuses on the Property Manager license, which is the most direct path for managing rental property for others.
Step 1: Determine if a License Is Required
In Oregon, property management activities performed for compensation generally require a license.
This includes:
- Collecting rent for others
- Leasing or advertising rental units
- Managing properties owned by someone else
- Acting on behalf of an owner in tenant matters
Managing property you own does not require a license.
Source:
Oregon Real Estate Agency (OREA)
https://www.oregon.gov/rea/
Step 2: Choose the Correct Licensing Path
Oregon provides two primary licensing paths:
- Property Manager License
Designed specifically for managing rental property for others. This is the most direct path for property management. - Real Estate Broker License
A broader license that can include property management activities and real estate sales.
This guide focuses on the Property Manager license.
Source:
OREA Property Manager License Information
https://www.oregon.gov/rea/licensing/get-license/pages/property-manager.aspx
Step 3: Complete Required Pre-License Education (60 Hours)
To obtain a Property Manager license, you must complete 60 hours of approved education.
Course topics include:
- Oregon real estate law
- Property management practices
- Trust accounting basics
- Fair housing
Where to complete it:
Through an Oregon Real Estate Agency approved provider.
Typical cost:
$300 to $700
You must complete all required hours and pass the provider’s final exam to receive a certificate of completion.
Source:
OREA Property Manager License Information
https://www.oregon.gov/rea/licensing/get-license/pages/property-manager.aspx
Step 4: Apply for the License
You must apply through the Oregon Real Estate Agency before completing the remaining steps.
Application includes:
- Personal and background information
- Disclosure questions
Application fee:
Approximately $300
Apply here:
https://www.oregon.gov/rea/
Step 5: Pass the Oregon Property Manager Exam
After applying and completing education, you must pass the Oregon Property Manager exam.
Exam provider:
PSI Testing Services
https://www.psiexams.com/
Exam covers:
- Oregon property management law
- Trust accounting
- Operational requirements
Fee:
Approximately $75 per attempt
Source:
OREA Property Manager License Information
https://www.oregon.gov/rea/licensing/get-license/pages/property-manager.aspx
Step 6: Complete Fingerprinting and Background Check
All applicants must complete a background check.
Requirements:
- Fingerprinting
- Criminal history review
Cost:
Typically $60 to $80
Full disclosure is required on your application.
Source:
OREA Property Manager License Information
https://www.oregon.gov/rea/licensing/get-license/pages/property-manager.aspx
Step 7: Activate Your License
Once all required steps are complete and approved, your license is issued and you may begin operating as a property manager.
Unlike brokers, property managers do not operate under a principal broker, but they must comply with Oregon Real Estate Agency rules and applicable statutes.
Source:
OREA Property Manager License Information
https://www.oregon.gov/rea/licensing/get-license/pages/property-manager.aspx
Once You’re Licensed, You Still Need Systems
Licensing allows you to operate legally, but it does not provide systems for day-to-day management. You will still need rent collection, tenant screening, financial tracking, maintenance coordination, and vendor relationships in place.
Step 8: Select Property Management Software
Property management software supports:
- Accounting and reporting
- Rent collection
- Tenant screening
- Maintenance tracking
Examples:
Compare options:
https://oregonlandlords.com/landlord-software-tools/
Step 9: Build a Vendor Network
Property managers rely on vendors for daily operations.
- Maintenance and repair vendors
- Cleaning and turnover services
- Contractors and specialists
Browse vendors:
https://oregonlandlords.com/oregon-landlords-vendor-directory/
Step 10: Maintain Compliance
Licensed property managers must comply with:
- Trust account requirements
- Recordkeeping standards
- Fair housing laws
- Oregon landlord-tenant law
These obligations are ongoing.
Source:
Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS Chapter 696)
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors696.html
Estimated Costs
Typical startup licensing costs:
- Education: $300 to $700
- Exam: about $75
- Application: about $300
- Fingerprinting: $60 to $80
Estimated total: $750 to $1,100
Continue the Series
Follow the full Starting a Property Management Company mini-series:
Additional Resources
- Start from the beginning: https://oregonlandlords.com/start-property-management-company-oregon/
- Have the series emailed to you instead: https://oregonlandlords.kit.com/03df5d8c8c
- Software and tools: https://oregonlandlords.com/landlord-software-tools/
- Vendor directory: https://oregonlandlords.com/oregon-landlords-vendor-directory/
- Join the discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oregonlandlords
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