Final answer:
Property managers must keep security deposits in an escrow account unless the tenant agrees otherwise or the lease specifies different terms. Financial difficulties are not a valid reason for altering this requirement, and the sale of the property does not typically affect the obligation to maintain the escrow account.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to the conditions under which a property manager must maintain all security deposits in an escrow account for the duration of the lease. According to standard practice and most statutory regulations, a property manager is required to keep tenants' security deposits in an escrow account unless the tenant agrees to alternative arrangements or the lease agreement specifies otherwise. Facing financial difficulties is not a valid reason for a property manager to fail to maintain the security deposits in an escrow account. Additionally, if the property is sold during the lease period, it usually does not release the property manager from the obligation to maintain the security deposits in escrow, unless there are specific terms within the sale agreement that transfer this responsibility to the new owner.