The Certified Tenancy & Leasing Specialist (CTLS) certification is a professional credential developed to equip individuals with advanced skills and knowledge in managing residential, commercial, and industrial tenancy and leasing operations. As leasing continues to be a critical component of real estate and property management, professionals must possess a deep understanding of tenant rights, lease structures, legal compliance, and negotiation strategies. The CTLS program delivers this expertise through a comprehensive curriculum that addresses the full spectrum of leasing activities—from marketing rental spaces and screening tenants to handling disputes and lease renewals.

In today’s competitive property market, effective lease management ensures not only occupancy and income stability but also compliance with evolving regulations and tenant satisfaction. The CTLS program is designed to help participants navigate these challenges by building strategic leasing capabilities, enhancing communication and negotiation skills, and mastering tenancy laws and documentation. Whether managing multi-unit residential properties, commercial office spaces, or retail outlets, CTLS-certified professionals are prepared to deliver efficient, ethical, and results-driven leasing services that add lasting value to property portfolios.

Certification Learning Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Tenancy & Leasing Specialist (CTLS) program, participants will be able to:

• Understand the Tenancy Lifecycle: Develop a complete understanding of the leasing process from pre-tenancy preparation to lease termination and renewal strategies.
• Draft and Manage Lease Agreements: Gain the ability to create, interpret, and manage residential and commercial lease contracts in compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Implement Effective Tenant Screening & Relations: Acquire skills to screen tenants, manage relationships, and address complaints or disputes with professionalism and care.
• Negotiate Lease Terms & Rental Pricing: Learn to structure lease terms that balance tenant needs and owner objectives, using effective negotiation and market analysis techniques.
• Ensure Legal Compliance: Stay informed on landlord-tenant laws, fair housing regulations, and occupancy standards to minimize legal risk and uphold ethical practices.
• Enhance Lease Management Efficiency: Build systems for lease tracking, rent collection, renewal alerts, and communication to improve operational outcomes.

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for certification from The American Institute of Business and Management (AIBM) and its allied institutions, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

And/or

• 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience in the related professional field.

Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the AIBM evaluation committee.

Certifying Examination:

• To be certified as CTLS, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIREM.
• The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
• Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Leasing Fundamentals and Market Dynamics
• Module 2: Residential and Commercial Lease Structuring
• Module 3: Legal Aspects of Tenancy and Fair Housing
• Module 4: Tenant Screening, Relations, and Conflict Resolution
• Module 5: Lease Negotiation and Rent Strategies
• Module 6: Lease Administration and Performance Monitoring

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The CTLS certification is valuable for professionals engaged in or transitioning to tenancy and leasing roles, providing them with a structured learning path and recognized credential. It is especially relevant for:

• Leasing Agents and Officers: Professionals involved in day-to-day leasing responsibilities who seek to upgrade their knowledge and streamline their lease operations.
• Property Managers: Individuals managing multiple rental units who require deeper insight into lease management, tenant engagement, and occupancy optimization.
• Real Estate Professionals: Brokers and sales agents looking to broaden their services by incorporating tenancy advisory and lease negotiation into their portfolio.
• Tenant Relations Managers: Specialists focused on tenant satisfaction and conflict resolution, who benefit from legal awareness and communication best practices.
• Landlords and Property Owners: Independent landlords aiming to professionalize their leasing practices, reduce vacancy rates, and ensure consistent rental income.
• Legal and Compliance Advisors: Legal professionals assisting in lease drafting, enforcement, or dispute mediation who wish to gain industry-specific operational knowledge.
• Corporate Real Estate Teams: Professionals managing corporate real estate portfolios who need to oversee commercial leases, ensure compliance, and manage tenant risk.
• Facilities and Operations Managers: Individuals responsible for overseeing lease-related operations in office, retail, or industrial properties, seeking to enhance efficiency and legal safeguards.

The CTLS certification is ideal for those committed to professional excellence in tenancy and leasing management. Whether your goal is to improve your property’s performance, deliver better service to tenants, or strengthen your legal and negotiation capabilities, this certification provides the essential tools to succeed in a highly competitive leasing environment.