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Property Manager — PM
Total cost: $255
Governing Authority
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Real Estate
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
Yes
License Required
Real Estate License
License Type
40 hours
Pre-Licensing Hours
Yes
Exam Required
$255
Total Initial Fees
Every 3 years
Renewal Period
Yes — Michigan requires a Real Estate License to manage property for others.
Since Michigan requires a real estate license, you'll need to complete the state's pre-licensing education and pass the real estate exam before managing property professionally.
Michigan requires a Real Estate License to manage property for others. Research the specific requirements through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Real Estate.
Complete 40 hours of required pre-licensing education. Complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider.
State real estate exam administered by PSI. National and Michigan-specific portions.
Submit your application to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Real Estate. Total initial fees: $255.
Boost your credentials with national certifications such as CPM (Certified Property Manager) — IREM, CAM (Certified Apartment Manager) — NAA, ARM (Accredited Residential Manager) — IREM, RMP (Residential Management Professional) — NARPM, MPM (Master Property Manager) — NARPM. These demonstrate expertise and can increase earning potential.
Renew your license every 3 years. Complete 18 hours per 3-year renewal cycle of continuing education.
Application Fee
$88
Application fee for real estate license in Michigan
Exam Fee
$79
Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state)
License Fee
$88
Initial license issuance fee for Michigan
Renewal Fee
$78
License renewal fee — renews every 3 years
Includes application, exam, and license fees. Does not include education costs, background check fees, or E&O insurance.
Michigan property management licensing requirements
VerifiedLicense Required
Yes
License Type
Real Estate License
Separate PM License
No
Standard real estate license covers property management activities
Own Property Exempt
Exempt
Managing your own property typically does not require a license
On-Site Manager Exempt
Exempt
Most states require a real estate license to manage property for others (collecting rent, leasing, marketing). Managing your own property typically does not require a license. A few states (Oregon, Montana, DC, Nevada, South Carolina) offer specific property management license categories separate from or in addition to the standard real estate license.
Education, Exams & Professional Certifications
VerifiedPre-Licensing Education
40 hours
Exam Required
Yes
State real estate exam administered by PSI. National and Michigan-specific portions.
Education Details
Complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider.
Professional Certifications (Voluntary)
Most states that require a license for property management mandate completion of pre-licensing real estate education courses and passing a state exam. Professional certifications such as CPM (Certified Property Manager from IREM), ARM (Accredited Residential Manager), and CAM (Certified Apartment Manager from NAA) are voluntary but can significantly enhance career prospects.
Browse Property Manager study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee Application fee for real estate license in Michigan | $88 |
Exam Fee Examination fee paid to testing provider (PSI, Pearson VUE, or state) | $79 |
License Fee Initial license issuance fee for Michigan | $88 |
Renewal Fee License renewal fee — renews every 3 years | $78 |
Total Initial Fees Includes application, exam, and license fees. Does not include education costs, background check fees, or E&O insurance. | $255 |
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Renewal Requirements & Ongoing Obligations
VerifiedEvery 3 years
Renewal Period
18 hours per 3-year renewal cycle
Continuing Education
$78
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Details
18 hours of continuing education per 3-year renewal.
Most states require continuing education for license renewal. Topics typically include fair housing law, ethics, property management best practices, agency law, and state-specific regulatory updates. Failure to complete CE requirements may result in license suspension or lapse.
Step-by-step licensing process for Michigan
Mostly verifiedComplete 40 hours of pre-licensing education from a Michigan-approved provider
Pass the Michigan real estate licensing examination (national and state portions)
Submit license application to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Real Estate
Pass a background check (most states require fingerprinting)
Obtain errors and omissions (E&O) insurance if required by your state
Affiliate with a licensed broker (if obtaining salesperson license) or establish your own brokerage
Begin property management operations
Estimated Timeline
2-8 weeks after completing pre-licensing education and passing the exam
Michigan requires a real estate license for property management activities. The state has one of the lowest pre-licensing hour requirements at 40 hours.
Property management of others' properties in Michigan requires a Real Estate License.
Managing your own property does not require a license in most cases.
On-site managers employed directly by the property owner may be exempt from licensing requirements.
Activities requiring a license typically include: collecting rent, leasing units, marketing properties, negotiating leases, and managing security deposits on behalf of property owners.
There is no interstate compact for property managers.
Property Manager requirements in nearby states
See how Michigan compares: Property Manager License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
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How does Michigan compare to other states for property manager? See the full comparison →
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Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
Property Manager Schools in Michigan
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Study guides for real estate and property management licensing exams.
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Property Manager requirements in Michigan verified against Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Real Estate, March 2026.
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
Accessed 2025-01-15
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Michigan requires a Real Estate License for property management. 40 hours of pre-licensing education required. Complete 40 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider. Licensing is managed through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — Real Estate.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.