When acting as a property manager, what duty does the licensee owe tenants or customers?

When acting as a property manager, the licensee owes tenants or customers a duty of honest treatment. This principle is essential in maintaining a good relationship with tenants, ensuring that their concerns are addressed fairly, and fostering a trustworthy environment. Honest treatment involves clear communication, transparency in managing the property, and fairness in handling tenants' requests and issues.

In addition, honest treatment is vital because it establishes a standard of care and professionalism that tenants expect. When property managers uphold honesty, they enhance tenant satisfaction and retention, ultimately benefiting the property owner as well.

While other options may address certain aspects of property management, they do not reflect the ethical obligation to treat tenants with respect and integrity, which underpins a successful property management practice. For instance, while maximizing profits for the owner is a management goal, it should not come at the expense of tenant rights or satisfaction. Similarly, neglecting minor issues can lead to larger problems over time, and blindly adhering to the owner's directives without consideration of tenant welfare could result in poor management practices and legal issues. Therefore, honest treatment stands out as the fundamental duty owed to tenants and customers by a property manager.