How to Become an Apartment Leasing Agent in Ohio

Apartment leasing agents can work for landlords or large complexes.

The real estate industry consists of various positions ranging from selling properties to organizing financial documents. If you are interested in selling apartment leases you'll want to consider a career as an apartment leasing agent. Apartment leasing agents show apartments, condos and other rental properties to prospective buyers. In Ohio leasing agents must undergo licensing and have set educational experience before starting a job.

Things You'll Need

• Form COM 3568
• $60 fee (as of 2010)
• Certificate of completion
• 2 forms of ID
• Resume

Instructions

1. Register for real estate courses at a local institution to prepare for the state real estate licensing examination. Hondros College offers seven locations around Ohio and provides the required 120 course hours to apply for the licensing examination. As of 2010, the real estate pre-license program costs $1,199 (plus tax) and includes the following courses: Principles & Practices, Finance, Appraisal and Real Estate Law. The Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing offers a list of state-approved education providers.

2. Complete the 120 course hours at an approved institution and fill out the License Examination Application (form COM 3568). This application requires a fee of $60 (as of 2010) and a copy of your certificate of completion from the real estate school you attended. Mail this application to:

   Ohio Department of Commerce
   Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing
   77 S. High St., 20th Floor
   Columbus, OH 43215

   After the Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing has reviewed and approved your application you will be sent a Candidate Information Bulletin by PSI Exams in the mail. This will include instructions regarding how to schedule your exam date. As of 2010, candidates can register by calling PSI Exams, faxing a completed examination registration form or by mailing a registration sheet to PSI.

3. Arrive at the examination location at least 30 minutes prior to the official exam start time. Bring two forms of ID (drivers license, passport, etc.). Immediately following the examination you will be notified of your scores. If you pass, a notification of passing will be given to you; if you fail, a diagnostic sheet will be provided outlining what areas of study you must improve.

4. Compile your resume and submit to local property managers, landlords and development companies after you have passed the licensing examination. As a leasing agent you can work directly for landlords helping to secure tenants or you may work in a large apartment complex. The school you attended may feature a career service department to help secure job interviews after you obtain licensure.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a marketing plan to submit with your resume if you wish to work for landlords and not large complexes/development companies. This plan should include how you'll find interested renters (such as through online classifieds or local papers).

• Continue to check in with past clients. This is important if you're leasing apartments that can be purchased. If a client wishes to buy the apartment you can handle the transaction since you are a licensed real estate agent.

References

• Hondros College: Packages & Courses
• Ohio Department of Commerce: Real Estate Pre-License Education Providers
• Ohio Department of Commerce: Salesperson License Examination Application
• Ohio Department of Commerce: Candidate Information Bulletin

Resources

• Ohio Department of Commerce: Real Estate Resources