Rental broker fees vary by market. In New York City the FARE Act (2025) means landlords, not tenants, must pay the fee of a broker they hire. Elsewhere tenants may still pay one month’s rent or more.
How to use the Rental Commission Calculator
- Monthly rent
- Commission
- Custom percentage of yearly rent
- Lease length
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter the monthly rent and the commission basis.
Tips
- Get a written loan estimate and compare the APR, not just the interest rate.
- Include property tax, insurance, HOA fees and maintenance in your monthly budget.
- A larger down payment lowers the payment and can remove mortgage insurance.
- Rates change daily – use a current quote for the most accurate result.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Looking only at the monthly payment instead of the total cost of the loan.
- Forgetting closing costs and fees.
- Assuming home prices always rise.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Monthly rent | Amount in your currency |
| Commission | Choose one: ½ month (4.17%), 1 month (8.33%), 1½ months (12.5%), 15% of annual rent … |
| Custom percentage of yearly rent | In % |
| Lease length | In months |
What each result means
- Rent over the lease = [Monthly rent]×[Lease length]
- Equal to months of rent = [Commission]÷[Monthly rent]
Example values
How the main result changes when Monthly rent changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Monthly rent | Commission |
|---|---|
| 1,250 | 1,250 |
| 1,875 | 1,875 |
| 2,500 | 2,500 |
| 3,125 | 3,125 |
| 3,750 | 3,750 |
| 5,000 | 5,000 |
Formula
Annual rent = monthly rent × 12Commission = annual rent × percentage (½ month = 4.17%, 1 month = 8.33%, 1½ months = 12.5%, 15%)Worked example
Inputs — Monthly rent: $2,500; Commission: 1 month (8.33%); Custom percentage of yearly rent: 10 %; Lease length: 12 months.
Results — Rent over the lease = $30,000.00; Commission = $2,500.00; Equal to months of rent = 1.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a rental broker fee?
Often one month's rent or 15% of the annual rent in some cities.
Who pays the rental commission?
It depends on local law and the market – landlords in NYC since 2025.
Is the broker fee refundable?
Usually not once the lease is signed.
What formula does the Rental Commission Calculator use?
Annual rent = monthly rent × 12.