How Do I Become a Leasing Professional?

If you are interested in helping people secure suitable living and works paces, you may wish to consider become a leasing professional. The requirements to work as a leasing professional vary by jurisdiction, and you may have several options for earning an appropriate credential or license. In some cases, there may be no legal restrictions on your work, although potential employers may be more likely to hire you if you can show a background in real estate or property management. In other cases, you may need to hold a real estate license, a special property manager license, or certification from a professional organization before you can become a leasing professional.

A leasing professional typically works with individuals and businesses looking to rent property on a long- or short-term basis. The leasing professional often works on behalf of the landlord, property management company, or a third-party business that specializes in matching renters with properties. Not all jurisdictions place restrictions on the activities of individuals who manage property or show properties to potential lessors. It is up to you to research the laws in your area to determine whether you need a license to become a leasing professional. When doing this research, pay attention to exceptions to the law. If you are showing a property that you own or if you are a direct employee of a landlord, you may not always need to earn a license or meet any other legal requirements.

If you do live in a jurisdiction that requires registration or certification to become a leasing professional, you may find that you have options for meeting these requirements. For example, laws in your area may restrict the activities of a leasing professional to those who hold a real estate broker's license or a real estate salesperson's license or to someone who holds a specialized certification or license in property management. To obtain any of these credentials, you will typically need to complete an educational program that may be available through a vocational school, community college, or adult education program in your community. In some areas, universities may also offer degrees in real estate.

After completing your education, you will typically be expected to take a licensing or certification exam. Licensing exams are arranged through the government agency that issues licenses to practice in your area, while certification exams are handled through professional organizations. In some cases, you will be able to maximize your employment opportunities by obtaining both a license as well as a professional certification, as the certification shows that you have received additional, industry-recognized training in the area of property leasing.