Letting Agent

Job Description:

Letting agents manage rental properties on behalf of the owner.

Job Category:
Real Estate

What you will do:

You’ll take responsibility for all aspects of the let, like:

  • advising clients about the letting process
  • setting up viewings and showing potential tenants around the property
  • selecting responsible, reliable tenants
  • preparing tenancy agreements and inventories
  • checking tenant references
  • making sure all aspects of the letting meet legal requirements
  • meeting landlords and advising on rents
  • arranging for maintenance to be carried out
  • working with solicitors, builders, cleaners and suppliers
  • handling any problems with the property

You could work for an agency that lets residential properties like houses and flats, or a commercial letting agent that advertises shops, offices and businesses.

Some agents specialise in one type of property, like student lets.

Skills:

You’ll need:

  • business management skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

  • customer service skills
  • the ability to sell products and services
  • the ability to use your initiative (drive)
  • organisational skills
  • active listening skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • persuading and negotiating skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You’ll usually start as a trainee.

Employers will usually expect you to have skills and experience in sales or customer service. Maths & English are useful subjects to complete at school.

You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.

You’ll usually need a driving licence.

Working Hours and Environment:

You’ll usually work around 40 hours a week, between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday.

You might also work in the evenings or on Sundays.

You’ll be based in an office, but will spend a lot of time visiting properties.

Career Path & Progression:

With experience, you could progress to a management role, or move into estate agency work.