Log InSign Up

20 Leasing Associate Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various leasing associate interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

Leasing Associate Resume ExampleUse this template

or download as PDF

Common Leasing Associate Interview Questions

What does your ideal lease look like?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question. First, they want to know what kind of deals you typically like to do. This will give them an idea of your experience level and what kind of properties you're interested in. Second, they may be trying to gauge your interest in a particular property. If you're looking for a short-term lease, for example, they may not want to waste their time showing you properties that are only available for long-term leases. Finally, they may be trying to get an idea of your budget. If you're looking for a luxury property with all the bells and whistles, they'll know to show you properties that fit that description (and price range).

Example: “My ideal lease would be for a term of at least one year, with the option to renew for additional terms. The property would be well-maintained and in a good location. The rent would be reasonable, and the landlord would be responsive to any maintenance issues that arise.”

How do you approach lease negotiations?

In order to understand how the candidate would approach lease negotiations, the interviewer is looking to see if the candidate has a process for approaching these types of discussions. This is important because it shows that the candidate is organized and has thought about how to best approach these types of conversations. It also shows that the candidate is willing to negotiate and is not afraid of difficult conversations.

Example: “I approach lease negotiations by first understanding the needs and wants of both the tenant and the landlord. I then try to find common ground and work towards a compromise that is fair for both parties. I am always open to creative solutions and am willing to negotiate back and forth until we reach an agreement that everyone is happy with.”

What are your thoughts on concessions?

It is important to know a leasing associate's thoughts on concessions because it can be a negotiating tool used to close a deal. It can also be used to gauge how flexible the leasing associate is in terms of price and terms.

Example: “Concessions can be a great way to entice potential tenants to sign a lease, and they can also be used as a tool to keep existing tenants happy. I think that offering concessions can be a win-win for both the landlord and the tenant, as long as they are used judiciously.

Some landlords may be hesitant to offer concessions because they worry about losing money on the deal, but I think that if done correctly, offering concessions can actually end up saving the landlord money in the long run. For example, if a tenant is considering leaving their lease early because they are unhappy with the rent price, offering a concession in the form of a rent reduction may convince them to stay put. In this case, the landlord would save money on turnover costs (such as advertising and cleaning fees) and would also avoid the hassle of finding and vetting new tenants.

Of course, there are some risks associated with offering concessions, so landlords need to be sure that they are making smart decisions when doing so. For instance, if a landlord offers too many concessions up front, they may find themselves in a situation where they are unable to raise rents later on down the line. Additionally, landlords need to be careful not to give away too much in terms”

How do you handle difficult tenants?

It is important to know how a leasing associate will handle difficult tenants because this can be a large part of the job. Dealing with difficult tenants can be very challenging and time-consuming, so it is important to know that the leasing associate has the skills and experience to handle these types of situations.

Example: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to handle difficult tenants will vary depending on the situation. However, some tips on how to deal with difficult tenants may include:

- First and foremost, try to remain calm and professional at all times. This can be difficult, but it is important to remember that you are the adult in the situation and that acting out will only make things worse.

- If the tenant is being disruptive or causing problems for other tenants in the building, it may be necessary to speak with them about their behavior. Again, try to remain calm and professional while doing so. It may also be helpful to have a written policy in place that outlines what is considered acceptable behavior and what is not.

- If the tenant is not following the terms of their lease agreement, you may need to take action such as issuing a warning or even starting eviction proceedings. Be sure to consult with an attorney beforehand to ensure that you are taking the appropriate steps.”

How do you deal with late rent payments?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Leasing Associate's ability to handle difficult situations. This is important because the Leasing Associate will likely have to deal with late rent payments on a regular basis. The interviewer wants to know that the Leasing Associate is able to handle this type of situation calmly and professionally.

Example: “There are a few different ways that you can deal with late rent payments. The first thing that you can do is to send a reminder notice to the tenant. This notice should state the amount of rent that is owed and the date by which it should be paid. If the tenant does not pay the rent within the specified time frame, you can then proceed to take legal action. This may involve filing a lawsuit or evicting the tenant from the property.”

Have you ever had to evict a tenant? If so, how did you handle it?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask this question to a leasing associate. One reason could be to gauge the leasing associate's experience with evicting tenants. Another reason could be to see how the leasing associate handles difficult situations. This question is important because it can give the interviewer a better understanding of the leasing associate's skills and abilities.

Example: “Yes, I have had to evict a tenant before. The process can be quite stressful and difficult, but it is important to remain calm and professional throughout. First, I would send the tenant a notice of eviction, outlining the reasons for their eviction and the date by which they must vacate the property. I would then follow up with a phone call or meeting to discuss the situation and answer any questions they may have. If the tenant still does not vacate the property by the specified date, I would then contact law enforcement to have them removed from the premises.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when leasing property?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the leasing associate's understanding of the leasing process and what is important to remember during that process. It is important for the leasing associate to remember the terms of the lease agreement, the property's rules and regulations, and the needs and wants of the tenant. The interviewer wants to know if the leasing associate is able to keep all of these things in mind when working with tenants.

Example: “The most important thing to remember when leasing property is to be clear and concise in your lease agreement. You want to make sure that all terms and conditions are clearly stated in the agreement so that both parties understand their obligations. It is also important to be fair in your pricing and to keep up with market trends so that you can offer competitive rates.”

What do you think is the biggest challenge in being a leasing associate?

Some potential challenges that a leasing associate may face are:

-Dealing with difficult or unhappy customers

-Trying to meet sales goals or quotas

-Dealing with paperwork or red tape

-Keeping up with the ever-changing laws and regulations surrounding leases and rental properties

It is important for the interviewer to ask this question in order to gauge the applicant's level of experience and see how they handle potential challenges. This question also allows the interviewer to get a better understanding of the applicant's thought process and problem-solving skills.

Example: “The biggest challenge in being a leasing associate is probably keeping up with the demand. There is a lot of paperwork and phone calls involved in the job, and it can be difficult to stay on top of everything. Additionally, it can be challenging to keep track of all the different properties that you are responsible for.”

What made you want to become a leasing associate?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask this question. First, they want to know what motivated you to pursue this career. This can help them understand if you have the right motivations for the job. Second, they want to know if you have a clear understanding of what a leasing associate does. This is important because it shows that you are knowledgeable about the position and that you are interested in the work. Finally, this question can help the interviewer gauge your level of experience and expertise in the field.

Example: “I wanted to become a leasing associate because I am passionate about working with people and helping them find the perfect home. I love the challenge of finding the right property for each individual and family, and I enjoy the process of negotiating leases and managing properties.”

Do you have any experience working with different types of leases (e.g., commercial, residential)?

The interviewer is trying to gauge whether the leasing associate has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job. It is important to know the different types of leases because they have different terms and conditions. If the leasing associate does not have experience with the type of lease the property owner is looking for, they may not be able to negotiate the best terms for the property owner.

Example: “I have experience working with both commercial and residential leases. I am familiar with the different terms and conditions that are typically included in each type of lease, and I am comfortable negotiating lease terms on behalf of both landlords and tenants. In addition, I have experience managing properties that are leased to both businesses and individuals, so I am familiar with the different needs of each type of tenant.”

What do you think is the key to a successful lease agreement?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Leasing Associate's understanding of the leasing process and what they believe is important in ensuring a successful lease agreement. It is important for the Leasing Associate to have a strong understanding of the key components of a successful lease agreement in order to help facilitate smooth and successful transactions.

Example: “The key to a successful lease agreement is clear and concise communication between the landlord and tenant. Both parties should understand the terms of the agreement and be in agreement with them. The lease should be reviewed periodically to ensure that it meets the needs of both parties.”

Have you ever had to mediate a dispute between a landlord and tenant? If so, how did you resolve it?

An interviewer would ask this question to a leasing associate to get a sense of the candidate's experience dealing with conflict resolution. It is important for a leasing associate to be able to resolve disputes between landlords and tenants in a fair and efficient manner.

Example: “I have had to mediate disputes between landlords and tenants on several occasions. In most cases, the issue revolves around rent payments or maintenance issues. I always try to come to a resolution that is fair to both parties involved. In some cases, this may mean mediating a payment plan for the tenant or arranging for repairs to be made by the landlord.”

What are your thoughts on rent increases?

An interviewer would ask "What are your thoughts on rent increases?" to a/an Leasing Associate in order to gauge their understanding of the rental market and how they would handle a potential rent increase with a current or future tenant. It is important for the interviewer to understand how the leasing associate would handle this type of situation because it can be a delicate issue and needs to be handled correctly in order to maintain good relationships with tenants.

Example: “Rent increases are a necessary part of being a landlord. They help to ensure that you are able to cover your expenses and make a profit. However, you should always be mindful of your tenants' ability to pay. If you raise the rent too much, you may price yourself out of the market or force your tenants to move.”

How do you handle maintenance requests from tenants?

The interviewer is trying to gauge the Leasing Associate's customer service skills. It is important because the Leasing Associate will be the point of contact for tenants with maintenance requests. The ability to handle these requests in a prompt and professional manner is essential to keeping tenants happy and maintaining a good relationship with them.

Example: “The first step is to log the request in the maintenance request system. Then, we prioritize the requests and schedule them accordingly. We also keep track of the status of each request and communicate with the tenants regularly to provide updates.”

What is your policy on showings for vacant units?

The interviewer is asking this question to get a sense of the leasing associate's policies and procedures for showing vacant units. This is important because it can give the interviewer a sense of how well the leasing associate knows the property and how they would handle potential tenants.

Example: “Our policy on showings for vacant units is that we allow potential tenants to schedule a showing appointment with one of our leasing associates during normal business hours. We require that all potential tenants fill out a rental application and provide a valid photo ID prior to the showing.”

Are you familiar with any fair housing laws?

An interviewer would ask "Are you familiar with any fair housing laws?" to a/an Leasing Associate because it is important for the Leasing Associate to be familiar with any fair housing laws that may apply to the property they are leasing. Fair housing laws protect tenants from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. It is important for the Leasing Associate to be familiar with these laws so that they can properly advise tenants of their rights and help ensure that the property is in compliance with these laws.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the Fair Housing Act. This law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. It is illegal to refuse to sell or rent housing to someone based on one of these protected characteristics. Additionally, it is illegal to advertise housing that is only available to people of certain protected characteristic”

Do you have any tips on how to market vacant units?

The interviewer is asking this question to assess the Leasing Associate's understanding of the marketing process for vacant units. It is important for the Leasing Associate to be able to explain the steps they would take to market a vacant unit in order to help the interviewer understand their level of knowledge and experience.

Example: “There are a few key things you can do to market vacant units:

1. Make sure the unit is clean and presentable. This includes making any necessary repairs, painting, and deep cleaning.

2. Take high-quality photos or videos of the unit that show off its best features.

3. Create an attractive listing for the unit on rental websites and/or social media platforms. Be sure to include plenty of photos/videos and detailed information about the unit.

4. Advertise the unit in local newspapers, online classifieds, and/or community bulletin boards.

5. Hold open houses or showings for the unit so potential tenants can see it in person.”

How do you work to create a positive relationship with landlords?

It is important for a leasing associate to have a positive relationship with landlords in order to be able to effectively negotiate leases on behalf of their clients. A good working relationship with landlords can help to ensure that the leasing associate is able to get the best possible terms for their clients.

Example: “I work to create a positive relationship with landlords by maintaining open communication, being respectful of their property, and paying rent on time. I also keep them updated on any changes or concerns I have in regards to the property.”

What do you think is the most important thing to remember when working with landlords?

An interviewer would ask "What do you think is the most important thing to remember when working with landlords?" to a/an Leasing Associate because it is important to remember to be professional when working with landlords. It is important to be professional because landlords are the people who own the property that the leasing associate is trying to rent out, and it is important to make a good impression on them so that they will want to work with the leasing associate again in the future.

Example: “The most important thing to remember when working with landlords is to be professional and courteous at all times. It is also important to keep landlord-tenant law in mind, as well as any specific lease agreement terms, in order to avoid any potential conflict.”

Do you have any advice on how to deal with difficult landlords?

There are a few potential reasons why an interviewer would ask this question to a leasing associate. First, the interviewer may be trying to gauge the leasing associate's experience with Difficult Landlords. This is important because it will give the interviewer a sense of how the leasing associate would handle a difficult situation if they were to encounter one. Second, the interviewer may be trying to get a sense of the leasing associate's ability to problem solve. This is important because it will show the interviewer whether or not the leasing associate is able to come up with creative solutions to difficult problems. Finally, the interviewer may be trying to get a sense of the leasing associate's ability to handle difficult people. This is important because it will show the interviewer whether or not the leasing associate is able to maintain their composure in challenging situations.

Example: “There are a few things you can do to try and deal with difficult landlords:

- First, try to communicate with them directly and see if there is anything you can do to resolve the issue.
- If that doesn't work, you could try reaching out to their boss or supervisor and see if they can help mediate the situation.
- If all else fails, you could consult with a lawyer or your local tenant's rights organization to see what legal options you have.”

Related Interview Questions