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The Daily Insight

How do apartment leasing agents get paid?

Author

Andrew Ramirez

Published Mar 11, 2026

Some agents are paid a minimal rate and then receive commissions when applicants they talk to are approved and accept apartments. Ask about hours. Generally, there is a full-time agent or agents at various properties who do the bulk of the leasing work on the property.

Is being a leasing consultant a good job?

Sometimes leasing consultants receive discounts on rent or other perks. Commissions for contracts signed are also available with some employers. Considering this, a career as a leasing consultant can be a good job.

Do you need experience to be a leasing consultant?

To become an apartment leasing consultant, you may not need to meet any specific educational requirements beyond a high school diploma, but many leasing companies and apartment complexes require or prefer job candidates with bachelor’s degrees and real estate experience.

What is the average commission for a leasing agent?

40-50% of a full months rent depending on the amount of rentals per month. Most agencies split their commission with another agency and then the agents commission is split again with their managing broker. The payout is considerably higher at Live Here.

Can you make good money as a leasing agent?

Starting pay for apartment leasing agents is on the low side of average — perhaps $12-17/hour with a median salary of $30k, according to Glassdoor. However, with bonuses or as the base salary increases with additional duties, it can climb to $75k or more at busy companies in major cities.

What are the responsibilities of a leasing agent?

A Leasing Agent, or Residential Leasing Agent, is responsible for renting out housing properties and assisting tenants with their needs. Their duties include meeting with prospective tenants to determine lease terms, receiving security deposits and coordinating with current tenants to discuss lease changes.

What skills do you need to be a leasing consultant?

Here are five skills that will help you excel in your current or future leasing consultant position.

  • Time Management. As a leasing consultant, you are required to set up appointments, conduct tours, answer questions, and close on leases.
  • Sales-Oriented.
  • Customer Service.
  • Listening.
  • Communication.
  • Join the NPM Staffing Team.

What do leasing agents look for?

Landlords want tenants who are likely to pay rent on time. Landlords want tenants who are likely to pay rent on time. Credit scores and reports demonstrate your history of managing your credit over the last 7 to 10 years, including how often you’ve made late payments on accounts and any current collection activity.

What are leasing commissions a percentage of?

Leasing commissions are typically calculated as a percentage of the total base rent a tenant will pay over their lease term or as a dollar per square foot per year figure.

What are the responsibilities of a Leasing Agent?

What should a Leasing Agent put on a resume?

Leasing Agent Resume Skills

  • Accounting.
  • Clean driving license.
  • Customer service skills.
  • MS Office (Word, Excel)
  • Multi-tasking.
  • NLP techniques.
  • Organizational skills.
  • OSHA standards.

What is the most important part of being a leasing specialist?

Interpersonal leasing agent skills are a critical aspect of characteristics necessary for the job. Leasing consultants must be friendly, welcoming, personable, and comfortable talking with people.

What should a leasing agent put on a resume?

Those interested in a Leasing Agent job should demonstrate in their resumes sales orientation, strong communication and negotiation abilities, attention to details, and self motivation. Most Leasing Agents hold a high school diploma or an Associate’s Degree.

What skills can you bring to leasing?

The Top 8 Skills That Successful Leasing Agents Have

  • Have a firm knowledge of the community and surrounding area where they work.
  • Know basic real estate and multifamily terminology.
  • Have an understanding of Fair Housing laws.
  • Be able to communicate effectively with prospective residents – as well as the community team.

How are leasing commissions calculated?

Leasing commissions are typically calculated as a percentage of the total base rent a tenant will pay over their lease term or as a dollar per square foot per year figure. As an example calculation, a tenant rep may receive a leasing commission of 6.0%.

How is leasing agent commission calculated?

A common structure is to pay 6% of the total rent for the first 5 years of the lease, 3% of the total rent for the next 5 years, and 1.5% for the remaining term. Note that the actual percentages vary between markets and property type. Some brokers might only charge 5% for the first 5 years and 2.5% for the next 5.

What makes a good leasing agent?

At the most basic level, every leasing agent should: Have a firm knowledge of the community and surrounding area where they work. Know basic real estate and multifamily terminology. Be able to communicate effectively with prospective residents – as well as the community team.

What makes you a good Leasing Agent?

Leasing consultants must be friendly, welcoming, personable, and comfortable talking with people. They must also be excellent communicators to relay detailed information in a clear manner, as much of their job involves speaking either on the phone or in person and answering questions.