California requires property managers to have or work under someone who holds a real estate broker's license. The only exception to this law is for property owners who manage their own buildings.  Besides operating a property with collecting rent and paying out expenses, the property manager needs to be familiar with laws affecting tenant and landlord relationships and leasing, fair housing laws and negotiating a contract.  These activities require a state approved real estate license.  Brokers are subject to license suspension or revocation for failing to uphold laws relating to the management of a property, as well as other real estate laws. Property managers are not required to hold any separate certification specific to property management, but many property managers pursue certifications such as the CPM (certified property manager), ARM (accredited residential manager), ACM (accredited commercial manager), and CAM (certified apartment manager) and there are few others.