Broker of Record for Property Management Companies
California DRE Broker Supervision Specifically for Property Managers
Why Property Management Companies Need a Broker of Record
California law requires property management companies to operate under a licensed real estate broker. That supervising role is commonly called a Broker of Record, and for corporate structures may also be called a Designated Officer or Designated Broker of Record. If you manage rental properties for owners: collecting rent, handling leases, coordinating maintenance, or managing tenant relations: you need broker supervision to operate legally.
Many property managers start under a broker who later retires, moves, or no longer wants to provide supervision. Others launch property management companies without realizing broker supervision is required. Loom Realty provides dedicated Broker of Record services specifically designed for property management operations.
Why Property Managers Choose Loom Realty
Property Management Experience
Unlike BOR providers who primarily supervise sales agents, Loom Realty has direct property management experience. We've supervised nearly 530 rental units, understand trust fund compliance, and know the operational realities property managers face daily.
Trust Fund Compliance
Security deposits, owner reserves, and tenant payments require proper trust fund handling. We provide oversight on trust fund compliance: one of the most common areas where property managers face DRE issues.
Management-Specific Forms
Access to AOA (Apartment Owners Association) and AAGLA (Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles) forms included. Industry-standard leases, notices, and management agreements at no extra cost.
DRE Audit Experience
Loom Realty has successfully completed a California DRE audit covering nearly 2 years of transactions. Our compliance infrastructure is proven: not theoretical. We know what auditors look for.
Affordable Flat Fee
$500/month flat fee for property management supervision. No per-unit charges, no hidden fees, no percentage of revenue. One predictable monthly cost regardless of portfolio size.
Complaint Resolution Experience
We've handled DRE complaints and investigations. If a tenant or owner files a complaint, we guide you through the process based on real experience: not just theoretical knowledge.
Property Management BOR Pricing
- Month-to-month property management BOR service
- Broker supervision for all property management activities
- Trust fund compliance oversight
- Lease and rental transaction review
- AOA forms access (leases, notices, agreements)
- AAGLA forms access
- Written compliance manual
- DRE advertising compliance review
- Ongoing broker availability for questions
- DRE complaint guidance if issues arise
Most common tier. Month-to-month service with no per-unit fees.
Also do sales? Upgrade to Full Service tier ($1,500/month) for full-scope supervision including CAR and AIR CRE forms access. View all tiers
Common Situations We Help With
Your Broker Retired or Left
The broker who supervised your property management company is no longer available. You need new broker supervision quickly to continue operating legally. Loom Realty can typically onboard new clients within 4-6 weeks.
Starting a Property Management Company
You're launching a property management business and need broker supervision from day one. We help new property management companies set up compliant operations with proper documentation and processes.
DRE Compliance Concerns
You've received a DRE inquiry, complaint, or audit notice. Or you're worried your current compliance isn't strong enough. Loom Realty's DRE experience helps property managers address compliance gaps.
Broker Too Expensive or Uninvolved
Your current broker charges too much, doesn't provide real oversight, or isn't responsive when you need guidance. Loom Realty provides active supervision at a fair flat rate.
Property Management Broker of Record FAQ
Do I need a broker of record to manage rental properties in California?
Yes. California Business and Professions Code Section 10131 defines property management activities as real estate activities requiring broker supervision. This includes leasing properties for others, collecting rent, and managing properties on behalf of owners. Operating without broker supervision is illegal and can result in fines, enforcement action, and inability to collect management fees.
Can I manage my own rental properties without a broker?
Yes. Owner-occupied or owner-managed properties don't require broker supervision. But if you manage properties for other owners: even family members or friends: you need broker supervision. The distinction is managing your own property vs. managing property for others.
What's the difference between a property manager and a property management broker?
A property manager is typically a real estate salesperson (licensed under a broker) who handles day-to-day management activities. A property management broker holds the broker license that provides supervision. In a BOR arrangement, Loom Realty provides the broker supervision while you and your team handle operations.
How does trust fund compliance work with a broker of record?
Security deposits and owner reserves must be held in broker-controlled trust accounts. As your BOR, Loom Realty provides oversight on trust fund handling: account setup, record-keeping, reconciliation requirements, and DRE reporting. We ensure your trust fund practices meet DRE standards.
What happens if a tenant files a DRE complaint?
DRE complaints are serious but manageable with proper documentation. Loom Realty has handled complaints and investigations. We guide you through the response process, help gather documentation, and work toward resolution. Our compliance infrastructure is designed to prevent complaints and withstand scrutiny if they occur.
Can I use my own lease forms instead of AOA/AAGLA?
Generally yes, but your forms must comply with California law and will be reviewed for DRE compliance. Many property managers prefer AOA/AAGLA forms because they're updated regularly to reflect law changes. Loom Realty includes access to these form libraries as part of the Management & Leasing tier.
How much do broker of record services cost for property management?
Loom Realty charges $500/month for property management broker supervision, plus a $500 one-time onboarding fee. This is a flat fee regardless of portfolio size: no per-unit charges. Some brokers charge more, some charge less, but beware of cheap BOR services that lack real compliance infrastructure.
Can Loom Realty provide BOR services anywhere in California?
Yes. We provide broker supervision for property management companies throughout California. Our oversight works remotely: you don't need to be near our Calabasas office. We serve property managers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, the Inland Empire, Central Valley, and all other California regions.
What You'll Need
To become a Loom Realty BOR client, property management companies must provide:
- E&O Insurance: Errors and Omissions coverage ($1M minimum recommended)
- General Liability Insurance: Standard business liability coverage
- Business Entity Documentation: LLC, Corp, or DBA documentation
- Agent/Staff Roster: DRE license numbers for all licensed personnel
- Trust Account Information: Bank account details for security deposits/reserves
- Disclosure of Past Issues: Any DRE complaints, investigations, or disciplinary history
Get Started with Property Management BOR Services
Loom Realty provides broker supervision for property management companies throughout California. Email, call, or text to discuss your needs. You'll speak with David first and be connected with Kayla if it looks like a good fit.