Broker Fee Calculator for Rentals in NYC
Finding desirable and affordable apartments for rent in New York City can be challenging. Many opt to work with a broker to assist in the search process. It’s common practice for renters to pay a broker’s fee in NYC, which is different from other cities where agents are typically not involved, and if they are, the landlord typically covers the fee.
To help you navigate this process, our calculator below can help you understand the potential broker fee you may need to pay when renting an apartment in NYC. This information can be valuable when budgeting and making informed decisions about renting in the city.
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How Much is a Broker Fee in NYC?
The broker’s commission fee usually equals one month’s rent – up to 15% of the first year’s annual rent—this amount, which renters pay upon signing the lease. The 15% figure is essentially the standard. In Manhattan, the median rent for newly signed contracts was approximately $3,500. A 15% fee would amount to $6,300. Of course, rentals are much higher in specific neighborhoods and buildings, meaning you pay a more substantial broker commission. Also, should you require short-term housing, below is an example of a typical broker’s commission.
Rental Term
Broker Fee
| Fewer than 2 months | ½ month’s rent |
| Two months and up to 6 months | One month’s rent |
| Six months up to 1 year | 15% of the first annual rent |
| 1 year or more | 15% of the first annual rent |
Why Pay a Broker Fee?
It is merely a matter of supply and demand. Historically, more people are looking for apartment rentals in New York City than there are to buy. It gives the building owners more leverage in setting the rent and determining who pays the commission.
Therefore, if you want an apartment, particularly in a desirable neighborhood, you may wish to pay the brokerage fee. Your agent can help weed out undesirable apartments. It can save you a lot of time and frustration.
When You Should Not Pay
You may not have to pay the brokerage fee in neighborhoods with less intense competition. In these areas, you may find an apartment on your own. Alternatively, the brokerage could list the condo for rent as “No Fee.” In some cases, the building is handling the rental internally. It could also mean the landlord is paying the broker’s commission.
There are several other reasons the landlord might pay the commission. They might feel this is a way to fill the occupancy quicker. In this case, the brokerage commission may outweigh the lost rent. Alternatively, the apartment may have scared off renters if the owner has had the vacancy for a long time. In this case, you should carefully consider whether you want the apartment.
You should check to ensure the rental amount is not higher than if you paid the commission in a no-fee situation. Many landlords merely bake the broker’s commission fee into the monthly payment, resulting in no savings for the prospective tenant.
If you try to find an apartment independently, you must prepare to do a lot of legwork. You can start online, but many listings will have an agent attached. Large apartment buildings may not use an agent if you are comfortable living in one.
Is The Broker’s Fee Negotiable?
Everything is negotiable when it comes to NYC apartment rentals. You can certainly try to negotiate the commission. Generally, it is an uphill battle, though. Certain things can bolster your case. Agents want future business and might work with you if you provide it. If you have referred clients, this is a significant point in your favor, and agents might negotiate a lower broker commission fee.
Can I find a No-Fee Apartment in NYC?
It is possible to find no-fee apartments for rent in New York City; however, much depends on the momentum of the general market conditions and available inventory. No-fee apartments tend to be overpriced vs. their broker-fee counterparts, typically due to the fee being inclusive of the rent. You can find No-Fee apartments in large and smaller rental building types; however, they are typically less appealing, including less desirable locations. That said, when the rental market experiences downturns such as COVID, it can also be possible to find condos and co-ops listed at no fee but seldom and often when overpriced.