Are electronic signatures legally binding?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where adopted. Exceptions include certain testamentary documents and other narrowly defined categories.

When is notarization required?

Notarization is rarely required for standard management agreements; certain attachments (deeds, powers of attorney, or real estate instruments) may require notarization or witness signatures depending on state law.

Who can sign for a business entity?

An authorized officer or person with documented signing authority should sign. For corporations or LLCs, attach a corporate resolution or power of attorney if authority is not evident.

How do I amend an executed agreement?

Use a written amendment signed by all parties that references the original agreement, effective date, and specific changes. Maintain version control and retain both the original and amendment.

How long should I retain executed agreements?

Retain while active and for a post-termination period—commonly at least 3 years for tax purposes, 6 years for HIPAA where applicable, and longer for real estate records; consult counsel for specifics.

Can I use signNow to execute the agreement?

Yes. Platforms like signNow support legally binding e-signatures, audit trails, integrations, and compliance certifications; choose authentication and retention options appropriate to your risk profile.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Management Agreement Template

Management Agreement Template

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Management Agreement

This Management Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of Effective Date: by and between Client Name: with principal address at (the "Client"), and Manager Name: with principal address at (the "Manager").

WHEREAS

WHEREAS, Client owns or controls certain business operations, assets, or projects described herein and desires to retain Manager to perform management and oversight services for the benefit of the Client; and

WHEREAS, Manager represents that it possesses the expertise, personnel, and licensing necessary to provide such services and is willing to perform the services upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

Scope of Work

Description of Services

Manager shall perform the services in a professional and workmanlike manner in accordance with industry standards, and shall supervise, coordinate, and direct personnel and contractors as necessary to accomplish the Scope of Work. Manager will provide periodic reports describing services performed, deliverables, and material matters affecting performance.

Payment Terms

Client shall pay Manager for services rendered under this Agreement as set forth below. Payment shall be made in lawful funds and is exclusive of any taxes required to be paid by Client.

Management Fee (Amount) Payment Schedule

Late payments shall accrue interest at the lesser of (i) the maximum rate permitted by applicable law, or (ii) a rate of % per month, calculated monthly on the unpaid balance, plus all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs.

Term and Termination

The term of this Agreement shall commence on Start Date: and continue until End Date: unless earlier terminated in accordance with this Section.

Either party may terminate this Agreement without cause by delivering written notice to the other party at least days prior to the effective date of termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may terminate for material breach by the other party if such breach is not cured within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice specifying the breach.

Confidentiality

For purposes of this Agreement, "Confidential Information" means all non-public business, technical, financial, and operational information disclosed by one party to the other, whether disclosed orally, visually, in writing, or by inspection of tangible objects. The receiving party shall (i) hold Confidential Information in strict confidence, (ii) not disclose Confidential Information to any third party except as expressly permitted herein, and (iii) use Confidential Information solely for the performance of its obligations under this Agreement.

Confidentiality obligations under this Section shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement for a period of years, except with respect to Confidential Information that becomes publicly available other than through a breach of this Agreement or is independently developed by the receiving party without reference to the disclosing party's Confidential Information.

Insurance and Compliance

Manager shall maintain, at its expense, insurance coverages appropriate to the services provided, including general liability and professional liability insurance, in amounts customary for the industry. Manager shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and licensing requirements in the performance of its duties.

Indemnification

Each party (the "Indemnifying Party") shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other party and its officers, directors, employees, and agents (the "Indemnified Party") from and against any losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of third-party claims to the extent caused by the Indemnifying Party's gross negligence, willful misconduct, or material breach of this Agreement.

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of without regard to its conflicts of law principles. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in that state for resolution of disputes arising under this Agreement.

Entire Agreement

This Agreement, including any exhibits and schedules attached hereto, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations, and discussions, whether oral or written. No amendment, modification, or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties.

Notices

All notices, requests, consents, and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses set forth below by hand, nationally recognized overnight courier, or certified mail, return receipt requested, and shall be deemed given upon receipt.

Client Notice Address Manager Notice Address

Miscellaneous

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Neither party may assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other party, except that either party may assign to an affiliate or in connection with a merger, sale of substantially all assets, or change of control provided the assignee assumes all obligations hereunder.

Client:

By:

Date:

Manager:

By:

Date:

What a Management Agreement Template Is and When It’s Used

A Management Agreement Template is a standardized contract used to set the legal relationship between a manager and an owner or client. It defines the manager’s duties, compensation, authority, reporting obligations, term, termination rights, and liability allocation. Organizations use it for property management, asset oversight, business operations, or outsourced services to ensure consistent expectations, reduce negotiation time, and create an auditable record of responsibilities. Templates speed execution by reusing approved language while still allowing customization for jurisdictional or project-specific provisions and attachments such as schedules or statements of work.

Why a Clear Management Agreement Matters

A clear Management Agreement reduces disputes, clarifies financial flows, and documents delegated authority. It protects both parties by setting measurable obligations and limits on liability while preserving remedies for breach.

Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Template

Common users include property owners, corporate executives, property managers, and in-house counsels who need a repeatable contract framework.

Property owners and investors managing rental portfolios or commercial assets
Professional management firms and onsite managers overseeing operations and maintenance
Legal, finance, and procurement teams that review or approve contract language

The template also supports third-party managers, investors, and accounting teams that require standard procedures for oversight, billing, and reporting.

Essential Elements to Include in a Professional Template

A professional Management Agreement Template groups the agreement into clear sections so each party can quickly find obligations, fees, and termination mechanics before signing.

Parties

Identify full legal names and entity types for all parties, including DBAs, state of formation, and authorized representatives for signature and service of process.

Term

Specify the effective date, initial term, renewal conditions (automatic or notice-based), and any trial or onboarding period with associated milestones.

Scope

Describe duties, permitted actions, reporting cadence, budgeting responsibilities, and limits on authority such as signing checks or entering purchase orders.

Compensation

State base fees, incentive or performance fees, payment schedule, invoicing requirements, and expense reimbursement rules with receipt and audit rights.

Liability

Allocate indemnities, insurance requirements, limits of liability, and responsibilities for third-party claims, including any carve-outs for willful misconduct.

Termination

Define termination for convenience and for cause, notice requirements, cure periods, post-termination obligations, and transition assistance terms.

Step-by-Step: Filling Out and Executing the Template

Follow these steps to complete the template from drafting to finalization with minimal back-and-forth.

01

Draft: Populate parties, term, scope, and fees based on the transaction details.
02

Review: Have legal and finance review for compliance, tax, and indemnity concerns.
03

Sign: Execute with electronic signatures or notarization if required by jurisdiction or party preference.
04

Distribute: Send final executed copies to all parties, accounting, and records custody.

Configuring an Online Workflow for This Template

Set up a repeatable digital workflow so each new agreement follows the same approval and signing path.

Field	Configuration
Signature Type	Electronic signature with optional notarization
Authentication	Email plus SMS code or advanced signer verification
Reminders	Automated reminders at configurable intervals
Routing Order	Sequential or parallel signer order with conditional routing

Digital Signing and File Format Considerations

Choose a platform that supports industry-standard formats and integrates with your existing systems for storage and workflow automation.

Formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML, Excel supported
Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace
Audit Trail: Timestamps, IP, and action history

Where to Send and Store the Executed Agreement

Identify the common routing destinations after signature so each stakeholder receives the executed copy without delay.

Owner / Client: Primary executed copy for records and operational use.
Manager: Manager retains a signed copy for compliance and audits.
Accounting: Invoice and payment processing records are stored here.
Legal / Records: Definitive original or certified copy retained in contract repository.

Security and Compliance Essentials for Execution

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest

Certifications: SOC 2 Type II; ISO 27001

HIPAA: Compliant with BAA when required

Audit Trail: Timestamped signature events and IP

Retention: Tamper-evident storage and versioning

Access Controls: Role-based permissions and SSO support

Risks and Consequences of an Incomplete or Incorrect Agreement

Unenforceable Terms: Poorly defined scope may void obligations

Liability Exposure: Unlimited indemnities increase financial risk

Tax Issues: Mischaracterized payments may trigger IRS penalties

Delayed Payments: Missing invoice details slow collections

Data Breach: Insufficient security increases compliance risk

Signature Disputes: Incorrect signer authority can nullify consent

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Template

Using vague scope language that leaves key tasks undefined, which frequently causes disputes over fee eligibility and performance expectations.
Failing to designate the governing law and venue, resulting in confusion about which state’s courts have authority for disputes and added litigation complexity.
Neglecting to confirm signer authority or attach corporate resolutions when an entity signs, which can lead to challenges about the contract’s validity.
Omitting clear invoicing and payment instructions, causing delays in collections and disagreements about amounts due or billing cycles.

Typical Timelines and Notice Periods to Include

Set practical deadlines and notice periods in the agreement to reduce ambiguity about renewals, terminations, and cure opportunities.

Effective Date:

Date when manager assumes duties (MM/DD/YYYY)

Termination Notice:

Commonly 30 days for convenience termination

Renewal Notice:

Often 30–60 days before term end for renewal

Cure Period:

Typical 10–30 days to remedy a breach

Invoice Payment:

Standard 30 days from invoice date

Selected eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Management Agreements

Overview of plan-level differences relevant to frequent use of a Management Agreement Template. signNow is listed first for direct comparison across common features.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day trial, no card	No	No	Yes, limited	Yes, limited
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Real-World Examples of Using a Management Agreement Template

These condensed accounts show how organizations applied standardized agreements to streamline operations and execution.

Optica Ventures

The team standardized templates to reduce negotiation time by using consistent clauses and exhibits.

They reused exhibits across properties to reduce drafting.
This reduced setup time for new properties and ensured consistent reporting and fee calculations without repeated legal review, improving operational predictability.

Martin Properties

A small portfolio adopted a digital template for remote signings to close agreements faster.

Mobile signing enabled field execution.
Processing and executing management agreements online allowed managers to finalize contracts from job sites, maintain compliance, and reduce paper handling while keeping full audit records.

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Apply these practices to reduce execution errors and accelerate the signing process for recurring management agreements.

Use Defined Templates

Keep an approved master template with editable exhibits; restrict clause-level edits to a tracked-change process to maintain legal consistency and speed reviews.

Version Control

Apply clear version numbering and store executed originals in a centralized repository with restricted access for audit readiness.

Confirm Authorization

Require proof of signing authority for entities and capture titles and corporate resolutions where necessary to prevent post-execution challenges.

Standardize Payments

Include invoice format, payment recipient, and remittance details inside the template to avoid disputes and accelerate collections.

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Answers to common legal, execution, and technical questions about preparing and signing a Management Agreement Template.

Need help? Contact support

Are electronic signatures legally binding?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA where adopted. Exceptions include certain testamentary documents and other narrowly defined categories.
When is notarization required?
Notarization is rarely required for standard management agreements; certain attachments (deeds, powers of attorney, or real estate instruments) may require notarization or witness signatures depending on state law.
Who can sign for a business entity?
An authorized officer or person with documented signing authority should sign. For corporations or LLCs, attach a corporate resolution or power of attorney if authority is not evident.
How do I amend an executed agreement?
Use a written amendment signed by all parties that references the original agreement, effective date, and specific changes. Maintain version control and retain both the original and amendment.
How long should I retain executed agreements?
Retain while active and for a post-termination period—commonly at least 3 years for tax purposes, 6 years for HIPAA where applicable, and longer for real estate records; consult counsel for specifics.
Can I use signNow to execute the agreement?
Yes. Platforms like signNow support legally binding e-signatures, audit trails, integrations, and compliance certifications; choose authentication and retention options appropriate to your risk profile.

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