Estate Agent fees for finding a rented apt.

[Lo Bo To]

I just recently found a new apartment in Taipei. I went through one of the large real estate agents. The guy we dealt with showed me two places and I took the second he showed me cause it was exactly what I was looking for.

On the date I went in to sign the lease with the landlord the estate agent told me that he charges one months rent half payable by the landlord and half payable by the tenant as a finders fee. I told him that was a ridiculous price to have to pay but more importantly that he never had any sort of discussion with me about any fees. I was under the impression that the landlord would be responsible for covering any costs involved in renting his apartment.

I told him that I would be willing to negotiate the price but he flat out refused. Then I basically told him to go screw himself if he thought I would be paying almost NT23,000 for a few days work and told him that I either wanted to hear from his boss or he should seek a lawyer. Has anyone ever had a similar experience with such fees?

[SuperS54]

2 weeks is pretty much standard, any negotiating should be done in advance...

[piwackit]

I rented a space this week and the landlord and I split one months rent as agents fee. Taiwanese husband was with me as was a Notary Public and both assured me this was normal in Taiwan.

[Dragonbones]

I have always refused to pay agent fees, and have only rented directly from landlords. Problem solved. When calling the listed number be sure to ask if it's a direct rental arrangement or through a vulture. Hang up if it's a vulture.

[Lo Bo To]

But because he didn't discuss any fees in advance I just don't feel like I need to pay. I kinda feel he was being a bit sneaky with it all. I also just kind of feel that it is the landlord who is the one in this situation who is conducting business and will be making a profit on it. Like an investment. He should be the one to pay any necessary fees.

[Dragonbones]

Absolutely! Sneaky, greedy bastards. Screw 'em.

[ichbinjenny]

On the date I went in to sign the lease with the landlord the estate agent told me that he charges one months rent half payable by the landlord and half payable by the tenant as a finders fee.

Totally normal. I just did this myself a month ago, and I watched as the landlord paid her share of the fee without any qualms.

Edit: Next time ask about the rate when you're getting the details on the place or while checking the place out.

[Lo Bo To]

On the date I went in to sign the lease with the landlord the estate agent told me that he charges one months rent half payable by the landlord and half payable by the tenant as a finders fee.

Totally normal. I just did this myself a month ago, and I watched as the landlord paid her share of the fee without any qualms.

But the difference was that the landlord probably knew full well from the get-go what his financial obligation to the "vulture" as Dragonbones so aptly called him was.

[Lo Bo To]

Edit: Next time ask about the rate when you're getting the details on the place or while checking the place out.

Must...resist...pushing...the...roll my eyes smiley...

[ichbinjenny]

:+) Next time I will keep my advice to myself.