What Is Required to Be a Leasing Agent?
A leasing agent works for a property owner finding tenants, collecting rent and maintaining lease agreements. The agent conducts background checks, facilitates credit checks and interviews potential tenants for the property owner. During the length of a lease agreement, the leasing agent will ensure that the tenant follows the rules and pays rent on time. The agent also handles the landlord's responsibilities for maintenance and repairs on the property.
Other People Are Reading
-
Licensing
-
Licensing requirements for real estate leasing agents vary by state. For example, Illinois requires a leasing agent to meet educational requirements and pass an examination to qualify for a state license. Illinois real estate leasing agents must work under the supervision of a real estate broker as well.
Education
-
The educational requirements for a leasing agent ensure that the professional has knowledge of state regulations and laws for lease agreements, as well as the landlord and tenant laws. Illinois leasing agents must have a high school education and complete a 15-hour pre-licensing course approved by the state. The licensing course must include subjects such as fair housing issues, landlord and tenant laws, leases and background checks for tenants.
-
Examination
-
Some states may require leasing agents to pass an examination to qualify for licensure. The examination tests the leasing agent's knowledge of the laws and regulations on landlord and tenant relationships in the state. The examination consists of questions on state law and the practices of a leasing agent, such as conducting tenant background checks and lease agreements.
Job Skills
-
A leasing agent must have good written communication skills to prepare lease agreements, correspondence with tenants and updates to the property owner on the condition and status of the property. The agent must also have good verbal communication skills to show properties to prospective tenants, explain the terms of the lease and engage vendors to maintain and repair the property. The agent must have strong organizational skills to maintain properties, run advertisements, schedule showings and maintain the properties.
Continuing Education
-
States may require leasing agents to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license status. For example, Illinois leasing agents must complete six credit hours every two years to maintain a state license.
-
