§ 32-2174 — Property management accounts; trust accounts; signatories

A. All property management accounts shall be designated as trust accounts on the broker's records.

B. A broker's trust account is required for all of the owner's monies, except if the owner directs the broker to deposit the monies directly into the owner's account. The broker shall not have access to the owner's account. Trust accounts may be interest bearing.

C. The designated broker for a property management firm may authorize either a licensee or an unlicensed natural person in the direct employ of the broker to transfer monies or to be a signatory on the property management firm's trust accounts. If the person who is designated to sign on behalf of the designated property management broker is an unlicensed person, that person shall be a bona fide officer, member, principal or employee of the property management firm. The broker may require dual signatures on checks and may use a facsimile signature according to the broker's business policies and procedures. The designation of a licensed or unlicensed person to transfer monies or to be a signatory on trust accounts does not lessen the broker's responsibility or liability for any monies handled.

D. Within three banking days after receiving monies that are not subject to dispute or contingency, the property management firm shall deposit the monies in either the owner's direct account or the property management firm's trust account for the benefit of the owner. A property management firm may remit an owner's monies under its control to or for the owner by any lawful means available.

E. Each rental agreement executed by a property manager shall include a provision that clearly states the disposition of any tenant deposits.