Broker Fee Fallout, What’s Really Happening

In June, the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act was signed into law, shifting the balance of who pays what in New York City’s rental market. On paper, it sounds simple: if a landlord hires a broker, the landlord pays the broker’s fee. But as we’ve seen over the past three months, the reality is far more layered.


First, many of the same renters who celebrated the bill’s passage are now facing sticker shock. Rents have increased sometimes by 10–15% and landlords are prioritizing renewals with built-in hikes, avoiding broker fees by simply not listing. This has caused a drop in available inventory, pushing more demand toward what little remains on the market.



Secondly, a quiet reshuffling is taking place: buildings that once competed openly are now offering units through private networks. Tenant-representative brokers are doing the heavy lifting, securing deals before units even hit StreetEasy or other portals. Some landlords still choose not to inflate rents, making those units rare gems. The catch? These deals are being locked down fast, and they’re going off-market just as quickly.



If you’re a renter wondering where all the good listings went or an owner unsure how to remain competitive, it’s more important than ever to have a strategic advisor who is tapped into the full inventory ecosystem.

If you want insight into which landlords are still pricing fairly, or which off-market listings are still being quietly traded, let’s talk. My network remains strong, and we’re helping renters and owners alike navigate this changing landscape.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Please like, comment, or share and stay tuned for more updates!

Subscribe Here