14 DCMR § 14-204
LICENSING OF PROPERTY MANAGERS
Operative Text
204.1 For purposes of this chapter, the term “property manager” means an agent for the owner of real estate in all matters pertaining to property management, as defined in D.C. Official Code § 47-2853.141 (2005 Repl.), which are under his or her direction, and who is paid a commission, fee, or other valuable consideration for his or her services. A property manager may employ resident managers. 204.2 If the property manager of a housing business is someone other than the licensee, that property manager shall comply with the requirements of D.C. Official Code §§ 47-2853.141 through 47-2853.143 (2005 Repl.), and any regulations issued pursuant thereto.
Under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-204, a "property manager" in the District of Columbia is defined as an agent who handles real estate management matters on behalf of an owner and receives compensation—such as a commission or fee—for those services. When the person managing a housing business is not the licensed owner, that property manager must meet the licensing and conduct requirements set out in D.C. Official Code §§ 47-2853.141 through 47-2853.143. Property managers operating under this framework may also hire resident managers to assist with on-site duties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-204 establishes that if a housing business owner delegates management responsibilities to a third-party property manager, that individual must independently satisfy the licensing requirements found in D.C. Official Code §§ 47-2853.141 through 47-2853.143. Compliant operators typically verify that any compensated property manager they engage holds the appropriate District of Columbia license before that person begins managing the property. Owners who wish to use resident managers may do so, provided those arrangements remain consistent with the broader licensing framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-204 means that the person managing your housing—if different from the licensed owner—is required to be properly licensed under District of Columbia law. Tenants who believe their property manager is operating without the required credentials may look into filing a complaint with the relevant District licensing authority or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options. Understanding who is legally responsible for managing your building can be important context when addressing habitability concerns or other disputes.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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