What does a Rental Agent do?
Published 3 min read
Rental agents are responsible for finding and screening potential tenants, negotiating leases, and collecting rent. They may also be responsible for maintaining the property and coordinating repairs and renovations.
Rental Agent job duties include:
- Greeting customers and answering their questions
- Explaining the features and benefits of different rental properties
- Showing properties to potential renters
- Negotiating rental contracts
- Collecting rent from tenants
- Handling maintenance and repair requests from tenants
- Inspecting properties regularly for damage or needed repairs
- Addressing complaints from tenants
- Terminating leases for delinquent tenants
Rental Agent Job Requirements
Most rental agents have at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most real estate brokerages require agents to complete some training before they can start working. Some states also require agents to take continuing education courses to renew their licenses. Rental agents typically need at least a few months of experience working in the field before they can become licensed.
Rental Agent Skills
- Listening
- Patience
- Empathy
- Communication
- Organization
- Multi-tasking
- Flexibility
- Creativity
- Sales
- Marketing
- Customer service
Related: Top Rental Agent Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Rental Agent
A rental agent is responsible for finding and screening tenants for rental properties. They also collect rent, handle maintenance issues, and resolve any tenant complaints. If you are interested in becoming a rental agent, here are a few tips to get started:
1. Get a Real Estate License: In order to become a rental agent, you must first obtain a real estate license. This will require completing an accredited real estate program and passing the state exam.
2. Join a Rental Property Management Company: Once you have your real estate license, you can then join a rental property management company. This will give you access to their properties and tenants.
3. Screen Tenants Thoroughly: As a rental agent, it is your responsibility to screen tenants thoroughly. This includes running background checks and credit checks. You want to make sure that you are renting to responsible and trustworthy tenants.
4. Collect Rent: As a rental agent, you will be responsible for collecting rent from tenants each month. You will need to keep track of when rent is due and follow up with tenants who are late on their payments.
5. Handle Maintenance Issues: Maintenance issues are inevitable when dealing with rental properties. As a rental agent, it will be your responsibility to handle these issues in a timely manner. This may include coordinating with repairmen or contacting the landlord/property owner.
6. Resolve Tenant Complaints: It is also your responsibility as a rental agent to resolve any tenant complaints that may arise. This could involve anything from noisy neighbors to damage to the property. You will need to be able to effectively communicate with both the tenant and the landlord/property owner in order to resolve the issue satisfactorily.
Related: Rental Agent Resume Example
Related: Rental Agent Interview Questions (With Example Answers)