NYU School of Law

Real Estate Brokers

A broker or agent can be a good resource of listings not available elsewhere, or they may place ads in the paper on behalf of landlords who want to use their services to find tenants. Presumably the landlord is counting on the broker to screen applicants and sign up a tenant who will pay the rent on time and be a good tenant.

Brokers make their money by charging you a commission which can be anywhere from 12-18% of the first year’s rent. If you use a broker to find an apartment, look for something you might want to live in for two or even three years. That way, even though you will have to pay the commission money up front, you will be able to amortize the expense over a longer period. Please see the separate list of real estate brokers. There are hundreds in the New York area; we cannot recommend any one in particular but have listed some with whom we are familiar from prior student experience. Most brokers charge a fee of 15-18% of the first year’s rent. Those listed will give our students the "corporate" rate of 12%. Others may as well if you ask.

This list is based on referrals we have received from students who have had positive working experiences with these brokers in the past and from a list available in the University‘s Office of Off-Campus Housing. Contact the Off-Campus Housing Office for a more extensive list. If you mention being referred by New York University School of Law and have valid ID, these brokers will give you the corporate rate of 12% in most cases.

We would appreciate recommendations, especially for Queens and surrounding areas. Please call us at (212) 998-6510 if you have a broker you think should be added to our list, or if you encounter problems with one of those listed above or with others.

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