17 Rental Agent Interview Questions and Answers

Rental agents work in the customer service and administrative side of the property rental industry. They are responsible for handling the day-to-day operations of renting out properties, such as apartments, houses, and office space. Rental agents must be able to handle customer inquiries, process rental applications, and coordinate maintenance and repair requests.

If you’re interested in a career as a rental agent, you will need to go through a job interview. During the interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your customer service experience, your ability to handle difficult situations, and your knowledge of the rental industry.

To help you prepare for your interview, we have compiled a list of the most common rental agent interview questions and answers.

Are you familiar with local property laws and regulations?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you can follow the rules and regulations of their state. Before your interview, research any local laws or ordinances that might affect how you do your job. If there are specific laws you’re not familiar with, explain what steps you would take to learn them.

Example: “Yes, I am very familiar with all of the property laws in my area. In fact, I have a certification in real estate law from the state university. I also make it a point to stay up-to-date on new legislation so I know how it affects my work.”

What are some of the most important qualities you think a rental agent should have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the qualities they’re looking for in a rental agent. It’s important to show that you understand what these qualities are and how they apply to your own work ethic.

Example: “I think one of the most important qualities a rental agent should have is patience. I know it can be frustrating when clients don’t respond to emails or phone calls, but I’ve learned that this is just part of the job. Another quality I think is essential is communication. As a rental agent, we need to be able to communicate with our clients effectively so that everyone understands each other. Finally, I think it’s important to be organized because there are so many details involved in renting property.”

How would you deal with a tenant who is not paying their rent on time?

This question can help the interviewer assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work with challenging tenants. Your answer should show that you are willing to take action when a tenant is not paying their rent on time, while also showing respect for the tenant’s situation.

Example: “I would first send them a friendly reminder about their upcoming payment date. If they still haven’t paid by the due date, I would call or email them to find out why. Sometimes it’s just an oversight, so I would try to be as understanding as possible. If they still don’t pay after our conversation, I would give them one more chance to make their payment before starting eviction proceedings.”

What is your experience with property management software?

Many rental agents use software to help them with their job. The interviewer may ask this question to learn about your experience using property management software and how you feel about it. If you have used a specific type of software in the past, share what you liked about it. If you haven’t worked with any particular software before, you can talk about your interest in learning more about it.

Example: “I’ve never worked as a rental agent before, but I am very interested in learning more about property management software. In my last job, I was responsible for managing our company’s social media accounts. We used Hootsuite to schedule posts and track engagement. It would be great to find a program that could do similar things for property managers.”

Provide an example of a time when you provided excellent customer service.

Customer service is an important part of being a rental agent. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your customer service skills and how you apply them in the workplace. When answering this question, it can be helpful to provide specific details about what you did that helped you provide excellent customer service.

Example: “When I worked as a sales associate at a clothing store, I had a regular customer who would come into the store once or twice a week. She was always looking for new styles and colors, so she would often try on many different outfits before finding one she liked. One day, when she came into the store, she told me that she didn’t find anything she liked. I asked her if there was anything I could do to help her find something she liked. She said she just needed some time to look around. So, I stayed with her until she found two great outfits.”

If a tenant has a complaint about their living conditions, how would you handle it?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your conflict resolution skills. This is because tenants sometimes have complaints about their living conditions, and it’s the rental agent’s job to help them resolve these issues. In your answer, try to show that you can empathize with a tenant’s situation while also being firm in ensuring they follow the rules of their lease.

Example: “If a tenant has a complaint about their living conditions, I would first listen to what they have to say and then explain how the issue violates their lease agreement. If the tenant still wants me to do something about the problem, I would contact my manager for advice on how to proceed. Depending on the severity of the situation, I might be able to offer the tenant an extension on their lease or even move them into a different unit.”

What would you do if you noticed that a property you manage had starting to look rundown?

An interviewer may ask this question to see how you handle maintenance issues. They want to know that you’re proactive and willing to take action when needed. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure the property looks its best at all times.

Example: “If I noticed a property was starting to look rundown, I would first try to find out if it’s something we can fix ourselves or if we need to hire someone else to do it. If it’s something we can fix, I would make sure our team knows how to perform those repairs so they can help in the future. If it’s something we need to hire someone else for, I would contact several companies to get quotes on the work. Then, I would choose one of them based on price.”

How well do you understand landlord-tenant laws?

Landlord-tenant laws vary by state, and an interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with these regulations. If you’re interviewing in a different state than the one where you currently live, it can be beneficial to research that state’s landlord-tenant laws before your interview. You can also answer this question by explaining how well you understand the local landlord-tenant laws.

Example: “I’ve lived in my current city for five years now, so I’m very familiar with its landlord-tenant laws. However, I would definitely do some additional research on any new state or city I moved to. I think it’s important to know all of the relevant laws when interacting with tenants.”

Do you have experience working with contractors?

If the property you’re working with has a few repairs that need to be made, hiring an experienced rental agent can help ensure the process goes smoothly. An interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience working with contractors and how you handled those situations in the past. In your answer, share what steps you took to find reputable contractors for your clients and any tips you might have for finding good ones.

Example: “In my last position as a rental agent, I worked with several homeowners who needed to hire contractors to make repairs on their properties. To find reputable contractors, I would search online for local businesses and read reviews from previous customers. I also asked friends and family members for recommendations of trustworthy companies they had used before.”

When is the best time to renew a lease with a tenant?

This question can help the interviewer determine your knowledge of tenant rights and responsibilities. It also shows them how you plan out your work schedule to meet deadlines. In your answer, explain when you would renew a lease with a tenant and why that time is best for you and the tenant.

Example: “I believe it’s important to renew leases at least 30 days before they expire so tenants have enough time to find new housing if they choose not to renew their lease. This gives me plenty of time to get all necessary paperwork in order and ensures I don’t lose any rent from late payments or other issues.”

We want to make sure our properties are well-maintained. What is the first thing you would do if you were given a maintenance job?

This question is a great way to see how the applicant approaches their work. It also shows you what they value in terms of customer service and quality control. Your answer should show that you are willing to take on responsibility, have attention to detail and can communicate effectively with others.

Example: “The first thing I would do if I were given a maintenance job is make sure I had all the tools and materials needed for the job. Then, I would assess the situation and determine whether it was something I could fix myself or if I needed to call someone else. If I did need to call someone, I would explain the problem clearly and give them any information they might need to help me solve the issue.”

Describe your process for inspecting a property.

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the rental process and how you apply it. Your answer should include a step-by-step description of what you do when inspecting a property, including any specific details that are important for renters to know about the home they’re renting.

Example: “I always start by looking at the exterior of the house, checking for things like peeling paint or broken windows. I then move inside and check all appliances, making sure they work properly. Next, I inspect each room in the house, looking for stains on the carpeting or walls. Finally, I make sure there’s enough space for all of my client’s belongings.”

What makes you the best candidate for this rental agent position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can benefit their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and abilities while also showing enthusiasm for the job.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others find homes they love. I have extensive experience working with clients to help them find the perfect rental property. In my previous position, I helped many families find affordable housing in safe neighborhoods. My communication skills are excellent, which helps me work well with clients and other team members. I am also highly organized, which allows me to stay on top of deadlines and manage multiple tasks at once.”

Which property management software programs are you familiar with?

This question is a great way to determine the applicant’s level of experience and expertise. It also shows how well they can adapt to new software programs. When answering this question, list the property management software you’re familiar with and explain why it works best for you.

Example: “I’m most comfortable using Property Manager Pro because I find its features are easy to use and understand. The program allows me to keep track of all my clients’ rental information, including their lease agreements, maintenance requests and tenant feedback. It also has an online portal where tenants can submit maintenance requests or leave feedback about their stay. This helps me address any issues before they become larger problems.”

What do you think is the most important thing a rental agent can do to maintain a positive relationship with tenants?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you prioritize your work and what skills you use to maintain positive relationships with others. Use examples from past experiences where you helped tenants feel valued or assisted them in finding a rental property that met their needs.

Example: “I think it’s important for rental agents to be available to answer questions and concerns as they arise. I always make sure to respond to emails, texts and phone calls within 24 hours of receiving them so my clients know I’m here to support them throughout the process. In my last role, I had a tenant who was looking for a home for her family but wasn’t sure if she could afford it. I spent some time going over her budget with her and found ways she could save money on rent each month.”

How often should you perform routine maintenance on a property?

Routine maintenance is an important part of being a rental agent. The interviewer may ask this question to see how much experience you have with performing routine maintenance on properties and whether you can do it yourself or if you need help from other professionals. In your answer, explain that you would perform routine maintenance at least once every six months. Explain the steps you would take to ensure the property stays in good condition throughout its lease period.

Example: “I believe that routine maintenance should be performed at least once every six months. I would first inspect all areas of the property for any damages or issues. Then, I would repair anything that needed fixing. Finally, I would clean the entire property thoroughly before handing it back over to the landlord.”

There is a bug infestation in one of the units of a property you manage. What is the first thing you would do?

Bugs can be a major problem for renters, and the interviewer wants to know how you would handle this situation. Your answer should show that you are proactive in your approach to solving problems and that you have experience with handling infestations.

Example: “The first thing I would do is call an exterminator. If it’s after hours or if they’re closed, I would contact my manager so they could arrange for one of our preferred companies to come out as soon as possible. Then, I would go to the property myself to make sure all the tenants were aware of the issue and what we were doing about it.”