Letting agent

You could get into this job through an intermediate apprenticeship as a housing and property management assistant.

Entry requirements

To get onto an apprenticeship, you'll find it useful to have:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You'll usually start as administrator with a lettings firm and learn on the job. You'll find it helps to have relevant skills and experience like sales or customer service.

Employers are likely to be more interested in your skills and experience than your qualifications.  Some may ask for GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

You can study for the National Federation of Property Professionals qualifications in Residential Letting and Property Management, while looking for work.

The Chartered Institute of Housing also offers qualifications in Letting and Managing Residential Property.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join ARLA Propertymark and Chartered Institute of Housing for professional development and networking opportunities.

Further information

You can get more advice about careers in property letting from ARLA Propertymark and Chartered Institute of Housing.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• the ability to sell products and services
• the ability to use your initiative
• business management skills
• active listening skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• persuading and negotiating skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• have a full driving licence

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 at a client's home, at a client's business or in an office.