Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Rental Agent
What rental agents actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a rental agent?
Open the counter and check reservations. From there, the day usually includes greet customers and explain rental options, verify licenses and payment, and prepare rental contracts. Shifts include early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a rental agent working full time.
- Open the counter and check reservations.
- Rent a car to a business traveler and explain coverage.
- Inspect a returned truck and note damage.
- Rent a carpet cleaner and explain how to use it.
- Handle a reservation change.
- Coordinate vehicle cleaning and maintenance.
- Close out contracts and balance the drawer.
Where rental agents work
Agents work at rental counters in airports, stores and branches, and outdoors on lots inspecting vehicles.
Hours and schedule
Shifts include early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Greet customers and explain rental options
- Verify licenses and payment
- Prepare rental contracts
- Offer protection plans and add-ons
- Inspect items before and after rentals
- Process returns and charges
- Coordinate cleaning and maintenance
Tools you’ll use every day
- Rental management software
- Payment terminals
- Tablets for inspections
- Phones
- Keys and lockboxes
- Equipment manuals
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Easy entry
- Management trainee paths
- Customer interaction
- Sales incentives
What’s hard
- Weekend and holiday work
- Upset customers
- Outdoor lot work
- Sales pressure
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like helping customers
- I’m detail-oriented with paperwork
- I don’t mind sales goals
- I can work weekends
- I want a management path
- I want to start quickly
Not sure? Take the free Rental Agent fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Watch for traffic on rental lots
- Lift equipment safely
- Explain equipment safety to customers
- Protect customer information