Can I get my agent fee back If I have to break my lease

[byseeksconseil]

Hi,

I may have to break my lease (move to a different place), but I was wondering if I would be entitled to get back a portion of the commission fee that I paid my agent.

I must note that I am contemplating breaking the lease through no fault of my agent.

I read through the document (CEA form) that I signed with the agent and there is no mention about the consequences for the commission fee if the tenant breaks the lease. But the receipt they sent me says that it is not refundable.

I would like to continue using my agent though to find my next place. So I am guessing that even without a refund of the agent fee, she should still give me a discount for the commission fee for the next place (as is the usual practice, right?). But I would like still to find out about the general policy about fee refund in such circumstances. I have not asked her directly about it since I am thinking of continuing to use her for my next place.

Anyone who might know?

thanks

[zzm9980]

If the contract you signed doesn't stipulate it, assume it is lost. It is common practice that the land lord is going to lose their agent's fee also.

Since there is no fixed/set price on an agent fee, you can negotiate to pay the agent whatever you want. (Or not use an agent at all). Use that to negotiate a lower fee next time.

Also, I'm assuming you're not leaving the country. You've negotiated and worked everything out with your landlord? They're not usually keen to break leases for any reason.

[nutnut]

If you haven't agreed with your LL, you may find that you have to payback some of their agent fee, as well as monthly rental in some form or another!

Ensure your landlord is happy, otherwise you could be in for a bumpy ride!