How to Become an Apartment Leasing Agent in New York

You do not need a real estate license to become an apartment leasing agent in New York. Leasing agents show apartments, process applications, and handle renewals for a specific property or management company—they don't buy or sell real estate, so they're exempt from licensing requirements.

Basic requirements to become a leasing agent:

• High school diploma or GED

• Strong communication and customer service skills

• Background check (required by most employers)

• On-the-job training (typically 1-2 weeks)

Key difference from real estate agents: Leasing agents work for one property or management company and only handle rentals. Real estate agents have state licenses, work with any client, and can buy/sell property for commission.

Most leasing agents start working within 1-2 weeks of being hired, earning $35,000-$50,000 per year plus bonuses.

Apartment Leasing Agent Requirements in New York

Requirement	Apartment Leasing Agent	Real Estate Agent (for comparison)
Real Estate License	Not required	Required
Education	High school diploma/GED	77-hour pre-licensing course
Background Check	Employer-specific	State-required fingerprinting

How to Become a Leasing Agent in New York

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

Most employers require:

• High school diploma or GED: Minimum education requirement for most positions

• Valid driver's license: Often needed for property tours or errands

• Clean background check: No recent felonies, especially involving theft or dishonesty

• Strong communication skills: Ability to interact professionally with prospective tenants

No formal education, certification, or real estate license is legally required in New York to work as a leasing agent for a single property or management company.

Step 2: Apply for Leasing Agent Positions

Look for openings at:

• Large property management companies (Equity Residential, Greystar, Related Companies)

• Apartment complexes and residential communities

• Real estate management firms

• Student housing companies

• Luxury high-rise buildings

Entry-level positions are often titled "Leasing Consultant," "Leasing Associate," or "Community Assistant." Search on job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, or company websites directly.

Step 3: Complete Employer Training (1-2 Weeks)

Most companies provide paid on-the-job training covering:

• Property management software: Yardi, RealPage, or AppFolio systems

• Fair housing laws: Federal and state compliance requirements

• Lease agreements: Understanding terms, explaining to tenants

• Tour techniques: Showing units effectively, highlighting features

• Customer service protocols: Handling inquiries, applications, and renewals

Training typically lasts 1-2 weeks with ongoing mentorship from experienced staff.

Step 4: Pass Background Check

Employers typically require:

• Criminal background check

• Credit check (some positions)

• Reference verification from previous employers

• Drug screening (some companies)

Most property management companies will not hire candidates with recent felonies involving theft, fraud, or dishonesty due to access to tenant information and company funds.

Step 5: Start Working

Once hired and trained, you can begin showing apartments, processing applications, and managing leases. Most leasing agents are working independently within their first month, with support from property managers and senior staff.

When You DO Need a Real Estate License in New York

While leasing agents for a single property don't need licenses, you must have a New York real estate license if you:

• Work with multiple properties: Helping clients find rentals across different buildings or landlords requires a license

• Negotiate on behalf of clients: Representing tenants in lease negotiations with landlords requires a license

• Earn commission from multiple landlords: If you're paid by various landlords to bring tenants, you need a license

• Handle sales transactions: Any involvement in buying or selling property requires a license

Examples:

License NOT required:

• You work for ABC Apartments showing only ABC's units

• You're a salaried employee of XYZ Management Company

• You process leases for your employer's properties only

License REQUIRED:

• You help clients find apartments across different buildings

• You're paid commission by various landlords to bring tenants

• You represent tenants in negotiations with multiple landlords

• You assist with property sales in addition to rentals

If you're unsure whether your role requires a license, contact the NY Department of State Division of Licensing Services at (518) 474-4429 before starting work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a real estate license to be a leasing agent in New York?
No. Leasing agents who work for one property or management company showing and leasing that company's units do not need a real estate license.

How long does it take to become a leasing agent?
Most people start working within 1-2 weeks of being hired, after completing employer-provided training. The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks.

What's the difference between a leasing agent and a real estate agent?
Leasing agents work as employees for one property or management company. Real estate agents are licensed professionals who can represent any client in buying, selling, or leasing transactions across multiple properties.

How much do leasing agents make in New York?
Leasing agents typically earn $35,000-$50,000 per year base salary, with additional bonuses of $100-$500 per lease signed. Total compensation can reach $40,000-$60,000+ in high-performing markets.

Can I be a leasing agent with a criminal record?
It depends on the employer and the nature of the conviction. Most companies may decline candidates with recent felonies involving theft, fraud, or dishonesty. Minor misdemeanors from several years ago are less likely to disqualify you.

Do I need a college degree to be a leasing agent?
No. Most employers only require a high school diploma or GED.

Can I work as a leasing agent while getting my real estate license?
Yes. Many people work as leasing agents while completing their 77-hour pre-licensing course to transition into real estate sales once licensed.

Ready to Start Your Real Estate Career?

Working as a leasing agent is a great way to enter the real estate industry with no upfront costs or licensing requirements. You can start earning within 1-2 weeks and gain valuable experience in property management and customer service.

If you want to expand into real estate sales, getting your New York real estate license takes 4-8 weeksNew York How To Get New York Real Estate License Career Center and costs $369-$571 totalNew York Real Estate License Cost Career Center. Many successful agents start as leasing agents to learn the business first.

Start your New York real estate license courseNew York Real Estate License