A Residential Leasing Agent is a person who is employed by a broker to engage in licensed activities limited to leasing residential real estate who has obtained a license as provided for in Section 5-5 of the Real Estate License Act. Residential Leasing Agents work with property owners to market and show their residential properties and attract good tenants and they also help renters find and lease properties.

Who Needs to Be Licensed?

All persons who want to engage in the leasing of residential property.

General Requirements

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or GED

  • Complete 15-hour Residential Leasing Agent Pre-License course with an approved school

  • Pass course final examination (self-study course only; live class does not require a final exam)

  • Pass the State & National Licensing exam

  • Have a sponsoring broker or brokerage firm

Course Options

Students may obtain the required 15-hour Residential Leasing Agent pre-license education through a self-study OR in a live/virtual classroom. The 2-day live class does not require a final course exam. There is a 50-question, multiple choice final exam to show completion of the self-study course. After completing either the self-study (exam) or live class, you are sent a transcript and your completion is sent to the State & National test administrator, PSI. Everyone is required to sit for the licensing exam.

Topics include: 

  • Real Estate License Act of 2000
  • Fair Housing Laws and Issues
  • Advertising and Marketing
  • Leases, Applications, Contracts, Credit Reports
  • Owner / Tenant Relationships
  • Fiduciary Responsibilities

Self-Study

Leasing Agent Prelicense Email PDF

Instructor Led