To The Editor,

Over the past few months, this problem has only gotten worse.

There was a time when landlords typically paid the broker fee, or apartments were advertised in local papers and rented directly by the owner. Today, that system has changed. In many cases, the tenant is now the one expected to pay the broker fee. Even worse, when apartments are advertised locally, brokers often step in, contact the owner, or take over the listing and offer to rent it for even more money.

The result is that families searching for a home are being hit with overwhelming upfront costs. On an apartment renting for about $2,500 a month, a tenant can easily end up paying $7,500 at lease signing between the broker fee, first month’s rent, and security deposit — and that is before moving expenses, furniture, and all the other costs that come with starting a new lease.

This situation has to stop.

At a time when families are already struggling financially, trying to marry off children, cover basic expenses, and simply secure a roof over their heads, they should not be forced to carry this kind of unfair burden. While ordinary people are struggling to make ends meet, brokers and landlords continue filling their pockets.

I am not saying that no fee should ever be paid. But there has to be a limit. A reasonable flat fee — perhaps $500 — would be far more fair than these massive charges that place such a heavy strain on hardworking families.

Something needs to change, because housing should not become impossible for the very families who make up our community.

Sincerely,
C. G.

The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent those of Monsey Scoop. Have an opinion you’d like to share? Send it to us for review.