Apartment Leasing Consultant Career Guide
All the details you need—responsibilities, qualifications, pay, perks, and next-step advice—so you can land (or fill) a leasing role faster.
Role Snapshot
Leasing consultants (sometimes called leasing agents) are the front-line sales and customer-service pros of an apartment community. They convert leads into signed leases, nurture resident relationships, and help keep occupancy—and revenue—high. Successful consultants combine hospitality, sales savvy, and detailed knowledge of Fair Housing and property-management software.
Key Responsibilities
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Respond to phone, email, chat, and walk-in inquiries within service-level goals
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Conduct property tours, highlight amenities, and overcome objections
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Qualify prospects, verify background information, and prepare lease paperwork
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Collect application fees and security deposits; maintain accurate records in Yardi/RealPage
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Track market comps and suggest rental-rate or concession changes to management
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Support resident retention through renewal offers and community events
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Ensure model units and common areas meet “curb-appeal” standards before each showing
Must-Have Skills & Competencies
| Skill | Why Employers Care |
|---|---|
| Sales & closing techniques | Converts tours into signed leases and boosts occupancy |
| Customer service & communication | Handles diverse resident questions, builds trust |
| Property-management software | Yardi, RealPage, Entrata skills speed daily workflows |
| Fair Housing & local rental law knowledge | Reduces legal risk and ensures compliance |
| Time & task management | Balances tours, paperwork, follow-ups, and outreach |
| Digital marketing/social media | Promotes availability on ILS sites and social channels |
Preferred Qualifications & Certifications
| Credential | Issuer | What It Signals |
|---|---|---|
| NALP – National Apartment Leasing Professional | NAAEI | Proven leasing, marketing, and customer-service mastery en.wikipedia.org |
| Fair Housing Certification | HUD-approved trainers | Working knowledge of protected classes & advertising rules |
| CAM (Certified Apartment Manager) | NAAEI | A plus for senior/lead leasing roles and career advancement |
Minimum education: High-school diploma or GED is typical; associate’s or bachelor’s degrees in business, marketing, or hospitality can fast-track promotion.
Compensation Snapshot (United States, June 2025)
| Source | Average Pay | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Indeed | $19.07/hr | $15.47 – $23.50/hr indeed.com |
| ZipRecruiter | $17.96/hr | $13.46 – $22.36/hr (25th–90th percentile) ziprecruiter.com |
| Glassdoor (total pay) | $53,072/yr (includes bonus/commission) glassdoor.com |
Commission: Many communities pay $25–$75 per lease plus renewal bonuses, pushing top performers 10–30 % above base pay.
Common Benefits
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Discounted or free rent (10–30 % typical)
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Health, dental & vision insurance
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401(k) match or retirement plan
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Paid training & certification reimbursement
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Leasing contests, trip incentives, and resident-referral bonuses
Career Path & Advancement
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Senior Leasing Consultant / Leasing Manager
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Assistant Property Manager
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Community (Property) Manager
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Regional Manager / Director of Operations
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VP of Property Operations
Earning the NALP, then CAM, and later CAPS credentials can accelerate each step. Many executives featured by NAA started as consultants and reached regional VP roles within 8–12 years. naahq.org
How to Land the Job
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Tailor your résumé to highlight sales KPIs (conversion rate, leases signed/month).
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Show tech proficiency in Yardi, RealPage, or Entrata on your application.
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Display customer-service wins—online reviews, resident-event success, secret-shop scores.
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Earn (or start) the NALP credential to stand out against non-credentialed applicants.
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Network with local apartment associations; many post member-exclusive openings first.
Ready to apply?
Search the latest leasing consultant openings on AptHire—filter by location, pay, and credential requirements, then apply with one click to get hired fast.
FAQ (quick answers search engines pull)
What does an apartment leasing consultant do?
They market vacant units, tour prospects, process applications, and support resident retention.
What is the average leasing consultant salary in 2025?
Roughly $18–19 per hour nationwide, plus commissions.
Is NALP certification worth it?
Yes—NAAEI research shows credentialed consultants close leases faster and move into management roles sooner. en.wikipedia.org