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Licensing

Contractor license not required for qualified property managers

Oregon law permits real estate property managers – and their employees – to work on buildings without a construction contractor’s license. 

Property managers are brokers and principal brokers as well as property managers managing rental real estate.

To qualify, the property manager must:

  • Be licensed by the Oregon Real Estate Agency.
  • Manage rental real estate.
  • Manage the particular building under a property management agreement.

The exemption does not eliminate the need for licensed tradespersons or a lead-based paint renovator’s certification.

Electrical/plumbing work

Electrical work that requires a licensed electrician and an electrical permit includes, but is not limited to, installing (or repairing):

  • Wiring.
  • Electrical outlets.
  • Lighting fixtures.

Plumbing work that requires a licensed plumber and a plumbing permit includes, but is not limited to, installing (or repairing):

  • Piping.
  • Plumbing fixtures (toilets, sinks, showers, tubs or dishwashers).
  • Water heaters.

Lead paint

If a property manager renovates homes or child-occupied facilities built before 1978, the property manager must:

  • Have one or more employees who complete a renovation, repair and painting training class offered by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) or the federal EPA.
  • Obtain a renovation firm certification from the OHA (cost $250).
  • Renew the OHA certification every five years.