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.
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 × 12
Commission = 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%); 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. In NYC it has been the landlord since 2025.
Is the broker fee refundable?
Usually not once the lease is signed.