📅 2026 Update: Recent Changes in Property Management

Since the original article was published, there have been significant updates in property management and housing laws. These changes affect mortgage processes, rental fees, and housing reforms. Readers can find the original article further down the page for more foundational information.

🏠 New Housing Reforms

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, enacted on July 11, 2026, introduced comprehensive housing reforms. This law includes increased FHA multifamily loan limits, which can help property managers access more funding. There are also exemptions from certain environmental reviews.

These changes aim to streamline housing development and promote affordable living options.

💰 Increased Fees for Section 184

Starting October 1, 2026, the Section 184 Upfront Guarantee Fee increased from 1.00% to 1.50% for new commitments, including refinances. For a $300,000 loan, this means an upfront fee of $4,500. Property managers should factor this into their budgeting for housing projects.

📑 Streamlined Mortgage Processes

On March 13, 2026, Executive Order 14393 was issued to promote access to mortgage credit. This order directs federal agencies to review and streamline mortgage origination and servicing processes. The goal is to reduce compliance costs, making it easier for property managers to secure financing.

📈 Enhanced Access to Mortgage Credit

The same executive order emphasizes enhancing access to mortgage credit, especially for community banks and borrowers in rural or low- to moderate-income areas. This could help property managers and landlords offer more affordable housing options.

📌 Key Points

  • 🏠 The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act brings new funding and loan limits.
  • 💰 Section 184 fees have increased, impacting housing costs.
  • 📑 Executive Order 14393 aims to simplify mortgage processes.
  • 📈 Focus on enhancing access to mortgage credit for community banks.

💡 Tips for Navigating Property Management Changes

Review the details of your situation with your attorney.

🏘️ Understand Local Laws

Stay updated on local laws, such as New York City's FARE Act and Massachusetts' ban on broker fees. These laws can impact your rental practices and costs.

📅 Keep Track of Deadlines

Be aware of upcoming compliance deadlines, such as the extended deadline for the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act on January 1, 2027. Missing deadlines can lead to penalties.

💵 Budget for Increased Fees

With the rise in the Section 184 Upfront Guarantee Fee, adjust your budget accordingly. This may affect the overall financing of property management projects.

🏦 Use Government Resources

Take advantage of federal resources and assistance programs aimed at enhancing mortgage lending capabilities. These programs can help ease financial burdens.

📊 Monitor Market Trends

Keep an eye on market trends and housing reforms. Staying informed will allow you to adapt your strategies and remain competitive in the property management sector.

🏆 Property Management Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights top services relevant to property management based on user reviews. The rankings are derived from Trustpilot data checked in October 2026. Ratings can fluctuate, and customer experiences may vary, as those with issues often leave more reviews.

🥇 1. Clever Real Estate

Clever Real Estate has been rated **4.9. It is known for being a real estate agent matching platform that helps consumers save on real estate fees. However, some users report issues with agent responsiveness, which could affect the overall experience.

🥈 2. Crexi

Crexi holds a score of **4.6. This service is recognized as a commercial real estate marketplace that offers advanced technology and data platforms. Users do mention challenges with the user interface, which can hinder the ease of use.

🥉 3. Movoto Real Estate

Movoto Real Estate averages **4.0. It connects buyers and sellers with a variety of real estate listings. While it serves a useful purpose, some reviewers have reported issues with agent responsiveness, which may impact service quality.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

Federal agencies provide resources and assistance for community banks to boost mortgage lending capabilities. These resources can be invaluable for property managers navigating financing challenges.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing a Property Management Service

  • 🏢 Service offerings and specializations.
  • 📊 Overall user ratings and reviews.
  • 💬 Customer service responsiveness.
  • 💸 Fees and cost structures.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 What is the FARE Act?

The FARE Act is a law that took effect on June 11, 2025, in New York City. It prohibits landlords from passing broker fees onto tenants, aiming to reduce upfront rental costs.

📅 What changes will occur on January 1, 2027?

On January 1, 2027, the compliance deadline for the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act's final rule will take effect. Property managers should ensure they meet the requirements by this date.

💰 How will the increase in Section 184 fees affect renters?

The increase in Section 184 fees means higher upfront costs for new commitments, including refinances. This could lead to increased rental prices for tenants if landlords pass on these costs.

🏡 What funding options are available under the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act?

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act introduces new programs and funding mechanisms. These are aimed at improving housing affordability and access.

📈 How can property managers prepare for new mortgage processes?

Property managers can prepare by staying informed about Executive Order 14393, which aims to streamline mortgage origination and servicing processes, thus reducing compliance costs.

🏦 What resources are available for community banks?

Under Executive Order 14393, federal agencies are directed to provide resources and assistance to community banks. This support can enhance mortgage lending capabilities.

⚖️ Recent Cases Related to Property Management

Recent court rulings may influence property management practices and housing laws. These decisions reflect ongoing changes in the legal landscape impacting property managers.

Browse more rulings on the news page for the latest updates and insights.

End of October 2026 Update





What do Property Management Companies Do?

Property management refers to the operation of commercial, residential, or industrial real estate. The role of a property management company is akin to the role of management in most forms of business. In addition to the aforementioned industries or sectors, property management also refers to the active management of personal property, equipment, and physical capital assets that are used to construct, repair, and maintain deliverable goods. 

Property management companies will deliver the processes, manpower, and systematically-based means to manage the life cycle of all property that is acquired, controlled, utilized, or maintained by a corporation or entity.

In essence, property management companies are middle-men. They act as the liaison between individual consumers, governments, and commercial developers to streamline the acquisition and maintenance of property and capital goods. 

Property Management Companies



Roles of Property Management Companies

There are a number of facets that comprise the property management industry. The most fundamental of which is the liaison between a landlord or property owner and the management firm operating on the tenant’s behalf. In this relationship, the property management company will accept rent, respond and address maintenance issues that arise, and provide a buffer for the landlord in regards to tenant constituencies. 

Property management companies will also manage the accounts and finances of real estate properties, as well as participate in the litigation with tenants, insurance companies, and contractors. 

The roles of property management companies, although varied, all focus on streamlining the relationship between property owner or developer and renter or builder. Through the delivery of resources and human capital, a property management company will ensure the acquisition of a maintained property.



Licensing Requirements

The licensing requirements for property management workers are regulated through state interpretation. In the United States, the majority of states require property management companies to be licensed as real estate brokers, although this licensing requirement is widely based on the assumption that the worker would be responsible for collecting rent or listing properties for negotiated transactions. 

A property manager may or may not be a licensed real estate salesperson, but in general, all property managers must be working under a licensed real estate broker. Maine and Idaho are two examples of states that do not require property managers to obtain a real estate license.

If licensed, a property manager can lease apartments, evict tenants, collect rent, garnish wages, and manage multiple properties at once. As stated before, the requirements to acquire a property manager’s license will vary from state to state. With that in mind, to obtain a property manager’s license an individual must determine their specific state’s requirements for a property license.

Once you have observed your specific state’s requirements for a property manager’s license, you must complete a State-approved property management course. Following the completion of this course, you will be required to submit two forms of identification and fingerprint cards which will be used for a background check. 

You must complete coursework that is aligned to your prospective role. For example, buying practices, listing practices, and developing ethical practices is a fundamental course load for a property manager. Upon completion, you must pass the real estate property management exam to obtain a property manager’s license. In addition, depending on the state in which you are operating, you may be required to obtain a broker’s license.