How to Become an Apartment Leasing Agent in Texas

With more households renting today than at any time in the past 50 years, becoming an apartment leasing agent in Texas makes a lot of sense. It’s a great way to get practical experience if you're new to real estate or exploring whether a full real estate license is right for you.

Here’s what you need to know to get started and why this path could be your launchpad.

What Does an Apartment Leasing Agent Do?

As a leasing agent (also called a residential rental locator or apartment locator), your work includes:

• Finding available rental properties and touring them with prospective renters

• Explaining advantages, disadvantages, and lease terms of properties

• Negotiating lease agreements between renters and property owners

While these job duties are similar to what licensed Texas real estate agents do, there are key differences. Leasing agents focus on rentals—no title companies, no lenders, no home inspections or appraisals. Once a lease is signed, your work is mostly done.

In many cases, a leasing agent’s compensation is 50% to 100% of one month’s rent, whereas sales agents usually earn a percentage of a property’s sale price. For a deeper look at earnings, see how real estate commission works in TexasTexas What Is The Commission For Real Estate Agents In Texas ?utm_source=chatgpt.com Career Center.

Do You Need a Real Estate License to Lease Apartments in Texas?

Yes—unless you are a direct employee of the property owner, helping someone find a rental in exchange for payment requires a real estate license under the Texas Real Estate License Act (TRELA)Docs OC Htm OC.1101.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com Statutes.capitol.texas.gov. The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) enforces this requirement and can impose penalties on those who operate without proper licensing.

How to Become an Apartment Leasing Agent in Texas

If you’re ready to dive in, here’s the roadmap to becoming licensed and walking into this role with confidence:

Step 1: Complete the Required Pre-Licensing Course

Finish TREC-approved pre-licensing education through a recognized school. AceableAgent’s courses meet state requirements and prepare you for your exam.

Step 2: Pass the Salesperson Pre-License Exam

Once your coursework is done, take the state licensing exam. Boost your confidence with Texas real estate exam prep that simulates test conditions and targets knowledge gaps.

Step 3: Get a Sponsoring Broker

To activate your license, you must operate under a sponsoring broker who supervises your work. Here’s how to choose the right brokerage in TexasTexas Choose Your First Real Estate Brokerage Texas Career Center.

Step 4: Earn the Texas Residential Leasing Specialist Certification (Optional)

If you want to stand out, the Texas REALTORS® Residential Leasing Specialist (TRLS) certification signals advanced leasing expertise. Review the TRLS requirements in this official overview (PDF) from Texas REALTORS®: Texas Residential Leasing Specialist.

Why This Path Can Be Smart Early in Your Career

• Fast start, fewer barriers: Compared to sales roles, leasing offers a quicker entry into the field.

• Practical skills building: Touring properties, working with renters, and negotiating lease terms build transferable real estate skills.

• Flexible options: Leasing agents may specialize in multifamily communities, apartment complexes, or work as independent locators.

If you later transition into broader sales, you’ll already have hands-on experience that complements your Texas salesperson license.

What to Expect: Pay & Workflow

• Compensation: Often a commission once a lease is signed—typically half to a full month’s rent.

• Day-to-day tasks: Marketing units, showing rentals, answering questions, and handling paperwork with property managers or owners.

• Compliance: Even though rental contracts are simpler than sales contracts, they must comply with Texas law and federal fair housing rules.

Key Legal & Licensing Considerations

• License requirement: If you’re paid for helping find a rental, you need a license under TRELA.

• Penalties: Operating without the appropriate license can result in fines or disciplinary action from TREC.

• Professional standards: Licensed leasing agents must follow TREC rules and laws and federal housing laws.

Ready to Start?

If you’re serious about becoming an apartment leasing agent in Texas, the right education is your first step.

AceableAgent’s Texas real estate pre-licensing course is fully TREC-approved and designed with flexibility in mind. Pair it with Texas exam prep so you walk into your licensing exam confident, prepared, and ready to launch your leasing career.

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