I recently put an ad on craigslist on my own for a house for rent. I received a call from a real estate agent who brought over clients of his. I just wanted to make sure that whatever commission he makes is supposed to be paid SOLELY by his client. After all, I didn't inquire for help with renting the place, and I've gotten more than enough interest in the place on my own, though I have to admit, I really like the couple he brought over and think they would make excellent tenants.
What's the etiquette? He didn't mention anything about a fee from me. Am I right in thinking his clients are the ONLY ones who pay him? I'm certainly not going to hand over a dime to someone for putting in the same amount of effort and work as anyone with a computer and internet access can.

Thanks

If you didn't sign anything, you don't owe anything.

If the Agent said that the prospective Tenants were his CLIENTS, then he's working for them . . . . NOT you.

If he returns with a proposal, beware of the small print which may obligate you to paying something . . . . like the 1st month's rent to him.

But his people will have already been introduced to the property, so it's a bit late to be trying to get you to commit to paying for his services . . . . that should have been attended to BEFORE the showing.

Don't worry about etiquette . . . . just what's required by your local New Jersey Law . . . . so don't sign anything, and don't agree to anything verbally.

By the way, think back on the conversation you had with the guy when he called to make the appointment to show the place . . . . Did you agree to anything at that time regarding MONEY? If so, some in New Jersey might interpret that to constitute a verbal contract or agreement (which may have some standing on New Jersey).

Important Notice: This information is provided as basic educational information by the author and is not a substitute for the advice of an expert and/or the advice of a Lawyer. There is NO representation as to legality, accuracy, correctness of the herein information and the reader is strongly urged to consult an Attorney in the relevant jurisdiction to ensure accuracy before acting on this information.

Thank you very much for the feedback..
I figured as much. All he said on the phone was that he had a couple that were interested and they were loaded. lol
I don't have to worry about any fine print or signing anything, as in all my years as a landlord, I've never dealt with any paperwork whatsoever. A handshake has always been good enough. And anything that needs to be documented for the tenants, as in rent payed, there's the check and/or I just happily sign a note for them.
I'm not really crazy of this practice that's being done with craigslist. This dude is probably going to end up pocketing a months rent ($2,500) for pretty much searching the net for 11 seconds. Sort of dishonest if you ask me.

Thanks again!

It's not dishonest if they asked him to help them find a place to rent. There's no difference between a fee of $500 or $2500 - just the amount.

Although you may not see the value in his services, I fail to see how it could be remotely interpreted as dishonest. Best of luck.

no written rental agreement? good luck.

Agents around here normally are paid 10% of the first months rent when a lease is signed.

Is that for Commercial Units, Office Space, or something repetitive?

Around here the "few" Agents who get involved with Rentals, of any kind, are compensated at leat 100% of a month's rent or 10% of the annual lease amount.

Wow . . . . How could it be that different?

I don't personally get involved in any rentals (unless it's under duress); but if I could expect to receive only 10% of a month's rent, I'd run even faster in the opposite direction.

In the initial stages, these Rental Agents engage in almost as much wasted activity and chauffering prospective tenants around while working this portion of the market as do people actually selling.

That's for residential. Sure don't get rich doing it. When I worked for a company that had property management, I showed a few per year and maybe made $500, just a little extra gas/beer money.

Around my wide area, it's about 25% of one month's equivalent and up! Anything less than that, I wouldn't even bother to show the place.

I think it's possible a number of places, LA's charge one month's rent and pocket the 75% then offer the 25% to a tenant's agent...greed seems to come to mind.