What license is typically required for managing residential properties in California?

To manage residential properties in California, a real estate license is typically required. This license enables individuals to engage in activities associated with property management, such as leasing, collecting rent, and handling tenant relations. A real estate license provides the necessary legal authority to operate in the realm of real estate transactions, which includes managing properties on behalf of owners.

While some may think that a broker's license or a specific property management license could suffice, generally, a real estate license is the foundational requirement for property managers. A broker's license allows individuals to operate their own brokerage or supervise other agents, but for basic property management tasks, the real estate license is adequate. A property management license is not a separate requirement in California; hence, it does not hold the same significance. Additionally, a business license is related to the legality of conducting business in a specific location, but it does not address the specifics of managing real estate properties.