Badabing,

Who pays the commission is negotiable, just like price, although in recent years it has fallen more to the tenant than the landlord. If a landlord is more anxious to get his/her property rented, he/she will likely be more willling to pay at least part of the commission. Conversely, if the prospective renter is anxious to secure the house, then they may be willing to concede paying at least part of the commission.

HI Badabing, yes, Debbie is right, here in northern NJ listings often specify "tenant pays" at least initially and then the landlord may become more negotiable, considering a reduction in rental price and/or commission split or coverage. It is certainly a point that you can try to negotiate.

Recently I was negotiating a lease and the landlord refused to cover the commission, then moved to a split, and finally agreed to cover in full.

Good luck Badabing - great tag
Jeannie Feenick
"Unwavering Commitment to Service"
Search the MLS at http://www.feenick.com

Hi Badabing!

You heard correctly Kenneth!.....Ok - here's the custom in northern NJ...

In my area (not too far from you Badabing) it is now customary and usual for the tenant to pay the commission (it's a commission, not a finders fee), which is usually equal to 1 month's rent.

Years ago the reverse was true, but not so anymore. In some instances, however, if the house has been sitting on the market, the landlord might offer to split the cost of the commission or pay it as an incentive, but most of our listings state that it is paid for by the tenant.

Best wishes......
Debbie
Prudential NJ Properties
Debbie.Rose@Prudentialnewjersey.com

In this area of Mercer typically landlord pays both agents involved. I have heard in north jersey it is split though. (I dont cover that area)

Hello,

There isn't a rental finders fee when going through a real estate agent. Real estate agents are normally paid one month commission when a lease is executed between a lessor and lessee. This one month is divided in half between both the agent / companies involved. It depends on what the landlord decides when signing the lease agreement with the real estate agent on who pays what.

The options are:
Landlord pays full month
Tenant pays full month
1/2 month paid by landlord / 1/2 month paid by tenant