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What Does a Leasing Consultant Do?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

People who are interested in renting either commercial or residential property often do so by talking to a leasing consultant. This individual is responsible for seeking people to fill vacancies in apartment complexes, vacation homes, or shopping centers. She might do so by advertising these vacancies, accepting applications from would-be tenants, and negotiating the terms of a contract with them. A high school diploma is generally all the education needed for one of these jobs, but a certificate in real estate management or sales could also be helpful.

The main job of a leasing consultant job is to seek clients who are interested in renting property. This might be for residential properties, such as an apartment building or rental home. A consultant could also be responsible for renting retail space, flea market booths, or office buildings to business owners.

A condo lease agreement.
A condo lease agreement.

Once potential renters have been identified, the leasing consultant will typically meet with these individuals to see if they are a good fit for the property owner. One of the things that is normally done is to ask the candidates to fill out an application and provide references for her to contact. This could also involve performing a credit check and background screening, especially if the application is for renting an apartment.

A leasing consultant might be called upon to rent a house.
A leasing consultant might be called upon to rent a house.

The terms of a property lease are often negotiable, so bargaining with potential tenants may be one of the leasing consultant duties. Some of the factors that may be discussed could include the amount of rent, due date for payments, and length of the contract. In some cases, the agent may be responsible for creating or modifying a contract, so it is helpful for people to work in this capacity to understand how to properly draft one of these documents.

A leasing consultant may be responsible for renting office buildings to business owners.
A leasing consultant may be responsible for renting office buildings to business owners.

Leasing consultant duties are not necessarily complete once the contract has been signed by a tenant. Some leasing companies may require her to have periodic contact with renters to ensure there are no violations of the lease. In many instances, she may be called on to collect rent payments and serve eviction notices to those who fail to pay as promised.

A leasing consultant may be responsible for renting retail space, such as flea market booths.
A leasing consultant may be responsible for renting retail space, such as flea market booths.

The only education generally needed for a leasing consultant job is a high school diploma or its equivalents. Excellent communication skills and an ability to meet deadlines are also essential for this position. People who have a background in real estate sales or who have managed their own rental property may also be successful in this career field.

Discussion Comments

cupcake15

@Crispety - I know that property management jobs are in huge demand not just for large apartment complexes but for investor owned property as well. The nice thing about the job is that the entry requirements are minimal and you don’t have to prospect for tenants because the people interested in renting are going to be calling you.

I think that the one downside has to be dealing with nonpaying tenants. The collection side of this business is the only area that really does not appeal to me.

Crispety

I wanted to add that I have a friend that has a leasing consultant job in Atlanta and she loves it. She started with the company when she was in high school and worked as an administrative assistant and then worked her way up to a leasing agent.

She says that the loves the flexibility that the job provides because although the job is full time, she can break up her shifts in order to get her 40 hours in. Also, she says that she gets commission on the apartment that she leases and gets a bonus upon the lease renewals as well.

She also told me that the company offers additional training options in order for her to move up in her career. She is thinking of becoming a property manager and is currently taking classes to receive a property manager certification.

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    • A condo lease agreement.
      By: JohnKwan
      A condo lease agreement.
    • A leasing consultant might be called upon to rent a house.
      By: Monkey Business
      A leasing consultant might be called upon to rent a house.
    • A leasing consultant may be responsible for renting office buildings to business owners.
      By: pds209
      A leasing consultant may be responsible for renting office buildings to business owners.
    • A leasing consultant may be responsible for renting retail space, such as flea market booths.
      By: JackF
      A leasing consultant may be responsible for renting retail space, such as flea market booths.
    • Because many leasing consultants spend most of their time talking to potential renters, they should be comfortable with and excel at speaking on the phone.
      By: goodluz
      Because many leasing consultants spend most of their time talking to potential renters, they should be comfortable with and excel at speaking on the phone.