Plain words, no jargon
What is a leasing agent?
A leasing agent keeps your investment property earning - with the right tenant in it.
They market your rental, run the inspections, vet every application (references, history, income), handle the lease and bond, and - if they also manage it - the rent, repairs and reviews after move-in. Every vacant week is money gone; their job is making vacancy rare and tenants good.
What they actually do
Markets the rental
Listing, photos, and pricing pitched to what the suburb actually pays
Runs inspections
Opens and privates, then chases every applicant same-day
Vets tenants hard
References, rental history, income checks - the no you need before the yes
Locks it in
Lease, bond lodgement, condition report, move-in - all by the book
What you're paying for
Fewer empty weeks
Marketing and inspections run to a schedule, because vacancy is the real cost.
The wrong tenant filtered out
References, rental history and income checks before anyone signs.
Compliance handled
Bonds, notices and entry rules differ by state and change often.
When you need one
- Your investment property is vacant and every week costs you rent
- You're interstate from your rental and can't show it yourself
- You've been burned by a bad tenant before
- You don't know what your place should rent for this year
And honestly, when you don't: if you're renting a granny flat to someone you know and trust, a self-managed lease kit may do.
Common questions
What is the difference between a leasing agent and a property manager?
Leasing is the front end - advertising the property, running inspections, screening applicants and preparing the lease. Property management is the ongoing part: rent, arrears, routine inspections, repairs and renewals. Many agencies do both, and often the same person handles the lot.
How much does a property manager cost?
Typically a percentage of the rent collected, plus set fees for things like a new letting, lease renewal or a tribunal appearance. Rates vary by state and agency, so ask for the full fee schedule rather than just the headline percentage.
Do I need one if I only own one property?
Not necessarily, but it is often where they earn their keep. Residential tenancy rules differ by state, change regularly, and the penalties for getting notices or bond handling wrong fall on the landlord. If you do not live near the property, someone still has to be there for inspections and repairs.
How do they screen tenants?
Usually identity and income verification, rental history and references from previous agents, and a check of the national tenancy databases. What they may ask for and record is limited by privacy and tenancy law in each state.
Can I change property managers?
Yes. Your management agreement sets out the notice period and how the handover works, including transferring the lease, bond and keys. Check that agreement before you sign it, not when you want to leave.
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