Community Leasing Specialist (Chattanooga TN, New Development )

Columbia Residential Properties•Chattanooga, TN

About The Position

The Community Leasing Specialist reports to the Community Manager and works directly with prospective and current residents to market, show, and lease apartments. As a company representative, the specialist responds courteously and promptly to applicants and residents on leasing, marketing, and resident-relations matters. The role also supports the apartment community’s day-to-day operations and works with the team to meet or exceed budgeted occupancy goals. The specialist prepares the property for guests, conducts tours, markets available apartments, maintains leasing and renewal information, and handles lease documents and move-in preparations. The role includes qualifying applicants under company policies and housing regulations, supporting resident renewals, and assisting with move-in and move-out procedures. Additional duties may be assigned by management within the scope of the work; this description is not all-inclusive and duties may be modified.

Requirements

High school graduate or GED.
Sales and customer-service experience or knowledge.
Complete in-house training within the first 90 days of employment.
Demonstrate passion for the work, a pleasant demeanor, and a desire for success.
Exhibit behavior consistent with the company’s vision, mission, and core values, and contribute to an enjoyable working environment.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.
Experience with property-management software.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) experience.

Responsibilities

Prepare the property to receive guests before the office opens, following established procedures.
Lease apartments and sell the property’s products and services to help the team meet or exceed budgeted occupancy goals.
Assist with daily community operations, including answering phones, taking work orders, data entry, planning and hosting resident functions, and preparing the community newsletter.
Conduct property tours for prospective residents, highlighting community amenities and showing decorated model apartments or available vacant units.
Develop and use effective telephone, personal sales, and customer-service techniques.
Design marketing campaigns, cold-call businesses to generate leads, and decorate units to create show units.
Maintain accurate inventories of available apartments, prospective residents, and current renewal information.
Contact current residents in person and in writing to renew leases and negotiate rent increases.
Prepare lease-related documents, move-in materials, and welcome packages; explain lease documents to new and existing residents.
Ensure resident documents are completed accurately before move-in.
Prequalify prospective residents and verify rental histories in accordance with company and housing regulations.
Follow established applicant qualification, screening, and acceptance policies and procedures.
Deliver resident gifts and assist with move-in and move-out procedures, including inspecting units before move-in to confirm they are clean and rent-ready.
Complete in-house training within the first 90 days of employment.
Perform additional duties within the scope of the work when requested by management.