Can a Management Authority be signed electronically?

Yes. Under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws, electronic signatures are generally enforceable if the parties consent and the signature method demonstrates intent, attribution, and retention capability.

Is notarization required for every Authority?

Not always. Notarization is required when the instrument must be acknowledged for recording or to meet specific state rules; recordation or third-party reliance often triggers notarization needs.

Can the Manager delegate duties to subcontractors?

Only if the Authority expressly permits delegation. Include specific subdelegation language and any owner approval thresholds to avoid unauthorized third-party actions.

How do I revoke or cancel the Authority?

Revoke by sending written notice to the manager and any third parties relying on the Authority; include the revocation date and follow any contractual notice provisions to prevent claims for actions before revocation.

How should executed documents be stored?

Keep signed originals or certified digital copies in secure systems with exportable PDFs and audit trails. Maintain retention consistent with IRS and HIPAA rules when applicable.

What if a third party challenges the Authority?

Provide the signed document, chain of custody, and audit trail showing consent and signatures. If notarized or RON-executed, provide notary records and identity-proofing logs as necessary.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Real Estate Management Authority

Real Estate Management Authority

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

REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

Parties

Owner Name:

Owner Contact Information

Manager Name:

Manager Contact Information

Property Identification

Property Address Parcel / APN Number Legal Description

Appointment; Scope of Authority

Owner hereby appoints Manager as the exclusive agent to manage, operate, lease and maintain the Property during the Term. Manager's authority includes, without limitation, the following powers unless expressly limited below:

Manager Powers (check applicable)

Rent collection and receipt of funds
Negotiate and execute leases and lease amendments up to the maximum lease term of months
Hire contractors, vendors and agents for maintenance and repairs
Commence and prosecute eviction or unlawful detainer actions on behalf of Owner
Collect, hold and disburse security deposits in accordance with applicable law
Other authority:

Term

Commencement Date: Termination Date:

Either party may terminate this Authority upon days' prior written notice to the other party, subject to obligations arising prior to termination.

Management Fees and Financial Terms

Compensation to Manager Operating Account and Funds

Manager shall maintain records of receipts and disbursements and render statements to Owner on a basis. Manager may retain agreed fees and expenses prior to remitting net funds to Owner.

Maintenance; Repairs; Capital Expenditures

Manager is authorized to approve repairs and maintenance not exceeding $ per occurrence without prior Owner authorization. Repairs above this amount require Owner approval except in emergency situations affecting safety or preservation of the Property.

Pet Policy

Leasing and Tenant Relations

Manager may advertise vacancies, screen applicants, execute leases, collect rents and security deposits, and enforce lease terms. Manager shall comply with applicable fair housing and health and safety obligations in tenant selection and lease form.

Standard Lease Form

Insurance; Indemnity; Liability

Owner shall maintain property and liability insurance covering the Property. Manager shall maintain general liability insurance and shall be named as additional insured where required by contract. Owner and Manager agree to indemnify and hold harmless the other from liabilities arising from their respective negligent acts or breaches of this Authority.

Insurance Requirements

Records, Reporting and Access

Manager shall keep accurate books and records of all transactions and permit Owner or Owner's authorized representative reasonable access to inspect records and the Property upon reasonable notice. Manager shall retain records for a period of .

Default; Remedies; Termination

A material breach by either party that remains uncured for days after written notice shall constitute default. In the event of default, the non-breaching party may pursue all remedies available at law or equity, including termination of this Authority and recovery of damages.

Disclosures

Was the Property constructed prior to 1978? Yes No

Known material defects or prior structural damage:

Miscellaneous

Governing Law: . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes prior understandings. Any amendment must be in writing signed by both parties.

Certifications and Notices

By signing below, Owner certifies that Owner is the lawful owner of the Property or has authority to enter into this Authority. Manager certifies that Manager is duly authorized to perform property management services and to accept the duties set forth herein. Both parties acknowledge that they have read and understand the terms and that execution of this document creates a binding agreement enforceable under applicable law.

Owner Name:

By:

Date:

Manager Name:

By:

Date:

What the Real Estate Management Authority Is and when it’s used

A Real Estate Management Authority is a written instrument that grants a named agent or management firm the legal power to act for an owner with respect to one or more properties. Typical powers include leasing, rent collection, contract execution for repairs and services, vendor payment, and handling tenant communications. The Authority may be limited by property, by task, or by time and can name successors, require bond or insurance, and impose reporting duties. When executed according to state rules it creates an enforceable agency relationship and may be completed electronically where ESIGN and UETA permit.

Why a clear Management Authority matters for owners and managers

A properly drafted Real Estate Management Authority clarifies decision rights, reduces disputes, and documents who may bind the owner in leasing and maintenance matters. Clear scope limits liability exposure and supports third-party reliance; when signed electronically, the Authority must meet ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and applicable state UETA requirements to be enforceable.

Who typically completes or needs this Authority

The form is commonly prepared by owners, property managers, or attorneys to formalize management duties and access rights.

Property owners and investors who delegate day-to-day operations to third-party managers.
Licensed property management companies responsible for leasing, maintenance, and tenant relations.
Attorneys, title agents, or escrow officers preparing agency documentation for transactions or recordkeeping.

Each signer should confirm scope, effective dates, and any notarization or witness requirements required by the governing state before execution.

Core elements to include in a professional Management Authority

A complete Authority balances clarity with legal formality: identify parties, define powers, set effective dates, and include signature and verification blocks.

Parties

Full legal names and entity types for owner(s) and manager; include EIN or SSN for corporate entities when needed for tax reporting.

Property Description

Identify properties by street address and legal description or parcel number so authority attaches only to specified assets and avoids ambiguity.

Scope of Powers

List specific powers such as leasing, rent collection, vendor contracting, making repairs, and signing leases or termination notices.

Limitations

Include monetary caps, required owner approvals for major expenditures, and exclusions like sale or mortgage authority if not intended.

Term and Termination

State effective date and expiration or automatic renewal terms, and describe notice and cure periods for termination by either party.

Signature & Authentication

Provide signature blocks for parties, space for dates, and specify notarization or witness requirements and acceptable electronic authentication methods.

Security and compliance checkpoints for signed Authorities

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

Audit trail: Timestamps, IP, action log

Access controls: Role-based signer permissions

Compliance: ESIGN, UETA supported

HIPAA readiness: BAA available if needed

Records export: PDF, DOCX, XML supported

Step-by-step: complete and execute a Management Authority

Follow these steps in order to prepare a clear, enforceable document and minimize delays during signing and recording.

01

Draft the form: Populate parties, property, powers, limits, and term.
02

Review legal needs: Confirm state notary/witness requirements and any escrow or recording obligations.
03

Add signature fields: Include dated signature and acknowledgment sections for each party.
04

Execute and verify: Sign, notarize or use RON if permitted, then distribute executed copies.

Customize the online signing workflow for the Authority

Configure authentication, signature type, and routing to match legal requirements and organizational controls before sending for signature.

Field	Configuration
Authentication	Email link, SMS code, or KBA depending on signer risk
Signature Type	Simple e-signature or certified digital signature if required
Conditional Fields	Show or hide sections based on chosen authority scope
Storage Location	Select secure cloud repository and retention policy

Where to send, file, and store the executed Authority

Decide routing and final destinations in advance: owner records, property manager files, lender or title company where relevant.

Owner Files: Store executed originals in owner or corporate records.
Agent Files: Manager retains a signed copy for operational use.
Title / Lender: Provide copy when required for mortgage or escrow purposes.
Public Recording: Record only if instrument grants an interest requiring recordation.

Technical and integration considerations for digital completion

Confirm the signing platform supports required authentication, file formats, integrations, and any BAA or 21 CFR Part 11 needs before sending.

Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace supported
File types: PDF, DOCX, and HTML accepted
Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA, SSO options

Use platforms with strong audit trails, exportable signed PDFs, and documented compliance options (BAA, SOC 2, ISO 27001) when the Authority covers sensitive or regulated properties.

Common timing and deadline considerations

Track effective dates, notarization timing, notice periods, and any recording windows tied to transactions involving the Authority.

Effective Date:

Date in MM/DD/YYYY when authority begins or is retroactive.

Notarization Window:

Sign in front of a notary or via RON within the state-required timeframe.

Notice to Tenants:

Give required tenant notices when management changes occur under local law.

Recording Deadline:

Record only if instrument creates a recordable interest; follow county recorder rules.

Retention Start:

Retention typically begins on execution date unless statute requires alternate start.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the Authority

Using imprecise property descriptions that omit parcel numbers or legal descriptions, which can create ambiguity in enforcement and recording.
Granting unlimited spending authority without monetary caps or approval thresholds, increasing owner liability and vendor exposure.
Executing signatures without confirming state notarization or witness rules, which can render the document noncompliant or unenforceable.
Failing to specify termination triggers, notice procedures, or successor appointment leading to gaps in management continuity and disputes.

Risks and potential consequences of an incorrect or incomplete Authority

Invalid Enforcement: Contract actions may be void

Financial Liability: Owner may face unauthorized debts

Tax Consequences: Incorrect TIN use can trigger backup withholding

Regulatory Exposure: Local code violations may incur fines

Notary Rejection: Recording offices may refuse filings

Dispute Risk: Increased litigation likelihood

eSignature vendor comparison for executing the Real Estate Management Authority

Pricing and feature availability vary by vendor and plan. The table below summarizes common plan starting prices and selected capabilities for eSignature solutions used to execute management authorities.

	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 free trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Trial available	Trial available
Bulk Send	Yes (Business Premium)	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes (BAA available)	Yes (BAA available)	Yes (BAA available)	Varies	Varies

Frequently asked questions about Real Estate Management Authorities

Answers address common execution, notarization, revocation, and storage questions to reduce post-execution disputes.

Need help? Contact support

Can a Management Authority be signed electronically?
Yes. Under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and state UETA laws, electronic signatures are generally enforceable if the parties consent and the signature method demonstrates intent, attribution, and retention capability.
Is notarization required for every Authority?
Not always. Notarization is required when the instrument must be acknowledged for recording or to meet specific state rules; recordation or third-party reliance often triggers notarization needs.
Can the Manager delegate duties to subcontractors?
Only if the Authority expressly permits delegation. Include specific subdelegation language and any owner approval thresholds to avoid unauthorized third-party actions.
How do I revoke or cancel the Authority?
Revoke by sending written notice to the manager and any third parties relying on the Authority; include the revocation date and follow any contractual notice provisions to prevent claims for actions before revocation.
How should executed documents be stored?
Keep signed originals or certified digital copies in secure systems with exportable PDFs and audit trails. Maintain retention consistent with IRS and HIPAA rules when applicable.
What if a third party challenges the Authority?
Provide the signed document, chain of custody, and audit trail showing consent and signatures. If notarized or RON-executed, provide notary records and identity-proofing logs as necessary.

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