If you’re interested in making money apartment mystery shopping, the first step is knowing where to find legitimate companies that offer these assignments.
Apartment mystery shoppers are hired to pose as potential renters, tour apartment communities, and report on how leasing agents interact with prospects. Property management companies use these evaluations to improve leasing performance and customer service.
The good news is that there are several well-known mystery shopping companies that regularly offer apartment assignments.
Below are some of the best companies for apartment mystery shopping if you’re looking to start this side hustle.
1. Ellis Partners in Management Solutions (EPMS)
Ellis Partners in Management Solutions—often called EPMS—is one of the largest companies specializing in apartment mystery shopping.
They work directly with property management companies across the United States and run thousands of apartment evaluations each month.
Typical assignments include:
- Phone inquiry shops
- In-person apartment tours
- Online leasing inquiries
- Video apartment mystery shops
Most in-person apartment shops through EPMS pay $40–$75, while video shops may pay $100 or more depending on the assignment.
For many shoppers, EPMS is the most consistent source of apartment mystery shopping jobs.
2. BestMark
BestMark is one of the longest-running mystery shopping companies and regularly offers apartment leasing evaluations.
Assignments usually involve visiting an apartment community, touring the property with a leasing agent, and reporting on the experience afterward.
Typical pay ranges from $50–$75 per apartment tour, depending on the complexity of the assignment.
BestMark also offers other mystery shopping categories, including retail and banking shops, which can help shoppers diversify their income.
3. IntelliShop
IntelliShop is another large mystery shopping company that frequently posts real estate and apartment leasing shops.
Their assignments often include:
- Touring apartment communities
- Evaluating leasing presentations
- Reviewing follow-up communication
Apartment shops through IntelliShop typically pay $40–$80, depending on the location and requirements.
4. Reality Based Group
Reality Based Group is known for video mystery shopping assignments, which often pay significantly more than standard shops.
Many of their apartment shops require recording the leasing tour using small video equipment.
Because video shops require additional equipment and training, they usually pay $100–$200 per assignment.
These can be some of the highest-paying apartment mystery shopping opportunities available.
5. Intouch Insight
Intouch Insight offers mystery shopping assignments across multiple industries, including apartment leasing evaluations.
Assignments usually involve touring an apartment community and completing a detailed report about the leasing process.
Typical pay ranges from $50–$100 depending on the assignment.
Tips for Finding More Apartment Mystery Shops
If you’re serious about making money apartment mystery shopping, it’s best to register with multiple companies.
Each mystery shopping company works with different property management clients, which means the more companies you’re registered with, the more apartment shop opportunities you’ll see.
Many experienced shoppers also check mystery shopping job boards regularly and schedule multiple apartment tours in the same area to maximize their earnings.
With the right companies and a little strategy, apartment mystery shopping can become a flexible and reliable side hustle.
