What action did a property manager take when they placed a security deposit in their personal checking account?

When a property manager places a security deposit in their personal checking account, this action is classified as commingling. Commingling occurs when a property manager mixes personal funds with client funds. It is a serious violation in property management because security deposits are trust funds that should be held in a separate account designated for that purpose to protect the interests of tenants.

By placing the security deposit in their personal account, the property manager fails to maintain the necessary boundaries that are required for handling client funds. This can lead to confusion about the funds' ownership and increase the risk of misappropriation or other unethical behaviors related to financial management. This emphasizes the importance of having clear, ethical financial practices in property management to safeguard both the property manager and the clients they represent.