How to become a letting agent
Wed 22 Jun 2022
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With property rentals and management becoming more complex, letting agents are becoming ever more important in the residential property market.
What does a letting agent do?
A letting agent can get involved with every aspect of property letting including:
- 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 rental fees
- arranging for maintenance to be carried out
- working with solicitors, builders, cleaners and suppliers
- handling any problems with the property
Depending on the agency and agreement with the landlord, letting agents may only take on responsibility for tenant sourcing or rent collection, however, you will always be expected to be capable of providing a fully managed service when needed.
What qualifications do you need to become a letting agent?
There are no formal standardised qualification requirements for letting agents, however, employers often look for candidates with a knowledge of:
- Health and safety relating to property
- General law and legal aspects of letting property
- Property letting practice
- Property management practice
- Customer service and management
The best way to ensure you have this knowledge and can demonstrate it to employers is with a professional qualification.
Propertymark Qualifications are the UK’s leading specialist awarding organisation offering industry recognised and regulated qualifications in property. When it comes to letting agents, having a Propertymark qualification can significantly improve your career prospects.
We provide residential lettings courses, for the Propertymark Qualifications, at three levels:
Level 2 Residential Lettings Courses
Learn the foundations of residential letting practice to give yourself the best introduction to managing properties, residential letting law and customer care.
Level 3 Residential Lettings Courses
Build on your current career in property and gain support in preparing for your Propertymark Qualification exams with a course that works around your busy schedule.
Level 4 Residential Lettings Courses
Progress your career by learning advanced letting agent skills including property appraisal and applied law. Ideal for those already working in lettings looking to move into a senior role.
What skills and characteristics do good letting agents have?
As well as a strong knowledge of letting regulations and practice, the best letting agents will also have skills that help them manage their workload and professional relationships, such as:
- Organisational skills
- Time management skills
- Attention to detail
- Confidence presenting
- Administration skills
- Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
- Active listening and communication skills
- Friendly and approachable
Considering a career as a letting agent? Build up the foundations you need to get and succeed in your first role with our Level 2 Award in Residential Lettings or browse all of our residential lettings courses.
Property Agency
Qualifications
Attain high professional standards, adapt to legislative changed and achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
