Looking to break into real estate without the pressure of working solely on commission? Or are you a current licensed agent, looking for a real estate-related side gig? A career as a leasing agent might be the perfect fit for you. This exciting profession offers a stable entry point into the real estate industry (or a side gig for industry insiders) while allowing you to help people find their ideal homes and commercial spaces.
Key Takeaways
- Licensing Required: California requires leasing agents who collect rent, negotiate leases, or solicit tenants to hold an active real estate license to legally represent landlords and tenants in lease negotiations.
- Education First: Complete California’s required 135-hour pre-licensing course through an approved real estate school before taking the state exam.
- Local Expertise Matters: California leasing agents must understand state-specific landlord-tenant laws, fair housing regulations, and local market conditions.
- Competitive Salary: California leasing agents earn an average annual income of $65,045.
- Career Growth Potential: Start as a leasing agent and advance to property management, commercial leasing, or real estate sales.
What Does a Leasing Agent Do?
A leasing agent specializes in connecting property owners with qualified tenants for rental properties. In California’s competitive rental market, these professionals play a crucial role in maintaining high occupancy rates for residential and commercial properties.
Your daily responsibilities as a California leasing agent might include:
- Marketing rental properties across multiple platforms
- Conducting property tours for prospective tenants
- Screening rental applications and verifying income
- Negotiating lease terms and rental rates
- Preparing and managing lease agreements
- Coordinating move-in procedures and inspections
- Ensuring compliance with California’s fair housing laws
Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills are essential for success in this role. California leasing agents must also stay current with state and local housing laws to ensure compliance throughout the leasing process.
Many licensed real estate agents work as leasing agents or property managers to have multiple streams of income.
What’s the difference between a leasing agent and a property manager?
The difference between a leasing agent and a property manager lies in the scope of responsibilities. While leasing agents focus primarily on marketing and securing new tenants, property managers handle ongoing tenant relations, maintenance coordination, and property operations.
Steps To Become a Leasing Agent in California
California has specific requirements for leasing agents that differ from some other states. Here’s your step-by-step path to becoming a licensed leasing agent in the Golden State.
Meet California’s basic requirements
California requires all leasing agents to meet these fundamental qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Pass a criminal background check
The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) oversees the real estate licensing process in California.
Complete California’s pre-licensing education
California mandates that all real estate agents complete a 135-hour pre-licensing course from a DRE-approved school. This education covers essential topics, including:
- California real estate law and regulations
- Contract principles and lease agreements
- Fair housing and anti-discrimination laws
- Ethics in real estate transactions
Fortunately, aspiring leasing agents in California have flexible options to complete their pre-licensing education to suit different learning preferences and schedules.
Pass the California real estate exam
After completing your pre-licensing education, you’ll need to pass the California real estate salesperson examination. This two-part exam covers:
- National real estate principles and practices
- California-specific real estate law and regulations
Successful exam preparation involves:
- Reviewing all course materials thoroughly
- Taking practice exams
- Focusing on California-specific laws and regulations
- Understanding fair housing requirements
Apply for your California real estate license
Once you pass the exam, submit your license application through the DRE website. You’ll need to:
- Complete the online application
- Pay the required licensing fees (examination fee is $100, application fee is $350, and fingerprinting is $49)
- Submit fingerprints for a background check
- Provide proof of education completion
Find a sponsoring broker
Note that California requires all real estate licensees to work under the supervision of a supervising broker. Many property management companies and real estate brokerages actively recruit new licensees for leasing agent positions.
Gain experience in California’s rental market
California’s rental market offers diverse opportunities across residential and commercial sectors. Major metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego, have a high demand for experienced leasing professionals.
To build your career:
- Network with local property management companies
- Join the California Apartment Association for industry connections
- Consider specializing in specific property types (luxury apartments, student housing, commercial spaces)
Average Salary for a Leasing Agent in California
According to Glassdoor, California leasing agents earn an average of $65,045 annually. Many positions also include commission structures based on the number of leases signed, potentially increasing total compensation.
Factors affecting California leasing agent salaries include:
- Geographic location (San Francisco and Los Angeles typically offer higher wages)
- Property type and market segment
- Experience level and professional certifications
- Commission structure and lease volume
Understanding California’s Rental Laws
California has some of the most comprehensive tenant protection laws in the nation. As a leasing agent, you’ll need to understand:
Fair Housing laws
California’s fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, source of income, and military/veteran status. The California Civil Rights Department enforces these protections.
Security deposit regulations
As of 2025, California has updated its security deposit laws. According to the California Apartment Association, landlords must:
- Take photographs of the unit before or at the start of tenancy
- Take photographs after the tenant moves out but before repairs
- Take photographs after repairs are completed
- Provide these photographs to the departing tenant
Rent control and tenant protections
California’s statewide rent control law (AB 1482) caps annual rent increases and requires “just cause” for evictions in many properties. Local jurisdictions may have additional rent control ordinances.
Credit reporting requirements
Starting in 2025, landlords must offer tenants the option to have their positive rental payment history reported to at least one nationwide consumer reporting agency. This helps tenants build credit history through on-time rent payments.
FAQs About Becoming a California Leasing Agent
How do I become a leasing agent in California with no experience?
Begin by completing your real estate education at an approved California school, such as Allied Schools. Many property management companies hire newly licensed agents and provide on-the-job training. Consider applying to companies that manage multiple properties, as they often have structured training programs for new leasing professionals.
Do you need a license to be a leasing agent in California?
Yes, California requires a real estate license for anyone who collects rent, leases property, solicits prospective tenants, places property for rent, or negotiates rental leases for compensation. You must have a real estate license to perform these activities unless you’re the property owner or a W-2 employee of the owner.
Where do leasing agents make the most money in California?
Leasing agents typically earn the highest compensation in California’s major metropolitan markets, particularly San Francisco, Los Angeles, and parts of San Diego. Luxury apartment communities and commercial properties often offer higher base salaries plus substantial commission opportunities.
Do you need a degree to become a leasing agent in California?
California does not require a college degree to become a leasing agent. However, you must earn a California real estate license by completing the state-mandated 135-hour pre-licensing course and passing the real estate exam.
Launch Your California Leasing Agent Career Today
Becoming a leasing agent in California offers an excellent entry point into the state’s thriving real estate market. With proper education, licensing, and dedication, you can build a rewarding career or side gig helping people find their perfect homes while earning competitive compensation.
Ready to start your journey? Allied Schools has been one of California’s leading providers of real estate education for decades. Our flexible learning options and expert California instructors provide the foundation you need to succeed in your leasing career. You have nothing to lose; check out our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee! Enroll in your real estate pre-licensing courses today to get started.
