who pays broker fee in dc area (i'm coming from new york)?

[Anonymous]

My DH and I are going back and forth about this and I'd love someone to tell me what the deal is! We are moving from NYC, where if you use a broker to rent an apartment, you pay for the broker fee. Usually one month's rent. However, I know in most of the country, the owner of the apartment pays the broker fee if he wants to use one to rent out his apartment - the renter doesn't pay. Which is it in DC? Who pays for the broker, the owner of the apartment, or the person renting it?

[Anonymous]

I don't think people use brokers for rentals as much around here as they do in NYC. Can't you sidestep the whole issue by looking without one first? There is plenty of supply out there, and regardless of who is technically saving the money, you should be able to negotiate yourself a better deal without a broker. Try to narrow down where you want to live, and then check out buildings in that neighborhood - I think you'll find a broker is not necessary. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

No one uses a broker here. Just look at Craigslist (use good judgment... can be scams there) and Washington City Paper.

[Anonymous]

Thanks! We actually have looked and looked and looked and just aren't finding anything we 100% love. Then tonight I happened to find two units in the same condo building that look great, but are being rented out by a broker. Coincidentally, there is another one that is rented out by owner on craigslist in the same building, but it's significantly smaller and also more expensive than the ones with brokers. So I went ahead and emailed the broker, I'm just hoping I don't have to pay for it!

[Anonymous]

I think if the broker is advertising a specific apt. on behalf of the owner, then it's reasonable to expect the owner should be paying, but if you go to a broker and ask to be shown several good rental apts. (which as PPs said, doesn't happen often here), then you should expect to pay.

[Anonymous]

Some people do use brokers to rent apartments. My mother has a few rentals in the MLS right now. If you rent an apartment that's listed by a broker, the owner will pay the broker fee. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Do you know anyone down here? There is an apartment guide about the size of a paperback book that is everywhere (supermarkets, in kiosks by the metro) and it lists tons of apartments in VA, MD, and DC and includes all details (rent, amenities, pets, etc etc). Have someone mail it to you if you can, that is a good place to start to give you an idea of what is out there.

[Anonymous]

Owner pays

[Anonymous]

Thanks all! And yes, my parents are down here so I will have them pick up the apt. guide. Thank you!