Do I Need a Real Estate Agent or Broker to Manage My Property in Georgia?

If you own rental property in Georgia—especially if you’re an out-of-town owner—you’ve likely asked this question:

“Do I need to hire a real estate agent or broker to manage my property?”

The short answer is: sometimes—but not always.

Georgia law does not require an agent simply because you own rental property or live elsewhere. Instead, the requirement depends on what activities are being performed and who is performing them.

This guide walks you through how to determine whether a licensed real estate professional is required—and where non-licensing support services can legally help.

Georgia’s General Rule: Activities Matter More Than Titles

Georgia real estate law focuses on activities, not job titles or location.

You do not need a license simply to:

• Own rental property

• Oversee operations

• Hire vendors

• Design or furnish a property

• Coordinate maintenance

• Self-manage remotely

  
  

However, certain activities are considered licensed real estate brokerage services when performed for someone else and for compensation.

Step 1: Are You the Property Owner?

If you own the property, you are allowed to manage it yourself.

Owners may:

• Advertise their own property

• Show their own property

• Communicate with tenants or guests

• Negotiate and sign leases

• Collect rent or booking payments

This is true whether you live in Georgia or out of state.

If you do not own the property, licensed representation is required.

Step 2: Are You Personally Handling Leasing Decisions?

Ask yourself:

Are you, the owner, personally doing the following?

• Advertising the property for rent

• Showing the property

• Negotiating rental or lease terms

• Approving tenants or guests

• Signing leases

• Collecting rent or deposits

If yes, no agent is required.

If no, and you want to delegate any of these tasks to someone else, a licensed real estate agent or broker is required.

Step 3: What Can Be Delegated Without a License?

Georgia allows owners to hire third parties for non-brokerage services, including:

• Property condition checks and reporting

• Maintenance observation and coordination

• Vendor scheduling (without contract negotiation)

• Interior design, staging, and furnishing

• Short-term rental setup and operations support

• Cleaning, turnovers, and restocking

• Administrative organization and reporting

• Owner-directed operational oversight

These services do not require a real estate license when they do not involve leasing authority or financial handling.

Step 4: What Cannot Be Delegated Without a License?

An owner must involve a licensed agent or broker if they want someone else to:

• Advertise property for rent

• Show property to prospective tenants

• Negotiate lease terms

• Execute leases on the owner’s behalf

• Screen or approve tenants

• Collect rent, deposits, or booking payments

• Hold or manage trust or escrow funds

• Enforce lease terms

Calling these services “consulting” or “coordination” does not change their legal classification.

Step 5: What About Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb / VRBO)?

Short-term rentals often create confusion.

You do not need a real estate agent if:

• You control the listing

• You approve guests

• You set pricing

• You collect all payments directly

• Support providers assist only with setup, cleaning, or operations

A license may be required if a third party controls:

• Booking acceptance

• Pricing decisions

• Guest approval

• Payment handling

Georgia does not offer a broad STR exemption—control matters.

Step 6: Does Being Out of Town Change the Rules?

No.

Georgia law does not require an agent simply because an owner lives out of town.

Owners may:

• Self-manage remotely

• Sign leases electronically

• Collect rent online

• Communicate digitally with tenants or guests

  
  

However, if licensable activities must be delegated because the owner cannot perform them, a licensed agent or broker becomes necessary.

Final Answer: Do You Need an Agent?

You do NOT need an agent if:

• You are the property owner

• You retain leasing authority

• You collect all funds

• You do not delegate regulated activities

• Your support team provides oversight, design, or administrative services only

You DO need an agent or broker if:

• You want someone else to lease or rent your property

• You want someone else to negotiate or sign leases

• You want someone else to collect rent or deposits

• You want someone else to approve tenants or guests

How The Justus Group Supports Owners

Justus Group Properties provides property oversight, short-term rental operations support, and design services that help owners operate efficiently without crossing into licensed real estate activity.

When licensed services are required, we coordinate seamlessly with your chosen real estate professional—allowing you to stay compliant while maintaining control.

Disclaimer

Justus Group Properties is not a licensed real estate brokerage or property management company. We do not lease property, collect rent, negotiate leases, or conduct regulated real estate transactions. All leasing decisions and financial transactions remain the responsibility of the property owner or their licensed representative.