Until 2010/1 (not sure which), it was normal practice for property below a certain amount ($2500 - $3000) that both the landlord and the tenant pay agent fees (or just the tenant). Since then, a law has been implemented that forbids dual representation. Since receiving money from a party is seen as de facto representation of that party, in most cases now only the landlord should pay, as it is his agent advertising the property (and thus already representing him).Northcote wrote:With regard to agent commissions, I've noticed on the forum quite a number of people who lease a property also pay a commission to their agent.
As far as I know, when we entered our lease, one month's rent was paid as commission by the landlord that was then shared equally between their agent and our agent.
Is this normal practice or were we just lucky we didn't have to pay any commission ourselves? I've been curious about this for a while.
Sometimes, as mentioned on these forums, agents try to "pull a fast one" where they get a second agent to "represent you" when you are viewing the property / arranging the contract. Of course, since the second agent is "your" agent, you're expected to pay him.
If you do not have the time to look for a property yourself, and enough extra money that you think it's worth it, you can always engage an agent of your own to look for a place for you. That agent is yours to pay.