Leasing Agent vs. Leasing Consultant: What Are the Differences?

A leasing agent is responsible for renting out properties, such as apartments, houses and office space. A leasing consultant, on the other hand, provides support and guidance to tenants. If you’re interested in a career in property management, understanding the difference between these two positions can help you decide which one is right for you. In this article, we discuss the duties of leasing agents and leasing consultants, the similarities and differences between the two roles and the skills and qualifications you need to succeed in each position.

What is a Leasing Agent?

Leasing Agents are responsible for renting out properties on behalf of their clients, which can be either individuals or businesses. They market available properties to potential tenants, screen applicants, negotiate leases and collect rent payments. Leasing Agents typically work in the real estate industry for property management companies, real estate firms or as independent contractors. They must have in-depth knowledge of the local rental market to help their clients price their properties competitively. They also need to be familiar with landlord-tenant law to protect their clients’ interests and ensure compliance with all regulations.

What is a Leasing Consultant?

Leasing Consultants are responsible for renting out apartments or commercial real estate to tenants. They work with property management to make sure that the property is well-maintained and meets the needs of potential tenants. Leasing Consultants show properties to potential tenants and help them fill out applications. They also negotiate leases and collect security deposits. In some cases, Leasing Consultants may be responsible for marketing the property to potential tenants. They may also handle customer service issues that arise during a tenant’s lease.

Leasing Agent vs. Leasing Consultant

Here are the main differences between a leasing agent and a leasing consultant.

Job Duties

Leasing agents have more direct contact with property tenants than leasing consultants. Leasing agents greet prospective tenants, show them available properties and answer their questions. They also process applications from prospective tenants and present approved applicants to the appropriate property owners for lease agreements.

Leasing consultants perform many of these same duties, but they do so on behalf of a property management company rather than an individual landlord. Leasing consultants may handle larger numbers of prospective tenants at once, while leaing agents typically work one-on-one with individual tenants. Leasing consultants also help create and enforce tenant screening criteria for prospective properties.

Job Requirements

Leasing agents and leasing consultants typically need at least a high school diploma to enter the field. However, some employers prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or another related field. Additionally, many leasing agents and leasing consultants pursue certifications through professional organizations like the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) or the National Apartment Association (NAA). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use industry-specific software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Leasing agents work in a variety of environments, depending on the type of property they’re working with. For example, if they’re working with commercial properties, they may spend most of their time at client sites to assess them and determine what needs to be done to lease them out. If they’re working with residential properties, they may spend more time at the office or traveling to meet with clients.

Leasing consultants typically work in an office environment where they can perform research and analyze data. They also travel frequently to visit potential clients and evaluate properties for leasing.

Skills

Both leasing agents and leasing consultants need to be excellent communicators, as they will be working with potential tenants to discuss their needs and explain the features of available properties. They also both need to have strong customer service skills to build relationships with clients and ensure they have a positive experience.

Leasing agents typically work for property management companies and are responsible for finding tenants for available properties. They may also be responsible for showing properties to potential tenants and negotiating leases. Leasing consultants usually work directly for landlords and are responsible for marketing properties to potential tenants and helping them find the right fit for their needs.

Both leasing agents and leasing consultants need to have strong people skills and be able to build rapport with potential tenants. They should also be knowledgeable about the local rental market and be familiar with different types of properties in the area.

Salary

Leasing agents and leasing consultants are both responsible for helping people find a place to live. Leasing agents typically earn an average salary of $52,127 per year, while leasing consultants earn an average salary of $37,821 per year.