There is nothing quite as disappointing as finding a perfect apartment and then realizing the broker’s fee pushes the cost way beyond your budget. That’s where no-fee apartments come in: they can save you thousands of dollars up front. The catch? Sometimes they can be hard(er) to find.
So, if you’re looking to make your next move without the extra upfront costs, here’s how to find no-fee apartment listings quickly and improve your chances of landing one.
What is a no-fee apartment?
A no-fee apartment is an apartment that doesn’t require the renter to pay the broker’s fee or commission upon signing a lease. Instead, the landlord or property manager covers that fee—or doesn’t use a broker at all—which can often help make the initial cost of a new apartment more affordable, especially in competitive rental markets like Boston (and previously New York, where charging broker’s fees to renters is now against the law).
Why do some apartments have fees?
In some markets, landlords use real estate agents or brokers to find renters for their available units, and the cost of using that broker is then passed on to the renter as a “broker’s fee” or “finder’s fee.” These fees can range from as little as 5% to as high as 15% of the rent.
A no-fee apartment is one where there is no broker fee or the landlord covers it, resulting in lower upfront costs for the renter.
How much can you save with no-fee apartments?
The savings can be substantial. Here’s what you could save based on typical rent prices:
- $2,000/month apartment: Save $1,200-$3,600 in broker fees
- $3,000/month apartment: Save $1,800-$5,400 in broker fees
- $4,000/month apartment: Save $2,400-$7,200 in broker fees
These savings can cover your security deposit, moving expenses, or furniture for your new place.
How to search for no-fee apartments online
Finding no-fee apartments can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—but with the right tools, it’s much easier.
1. Use a reliable rental platform with no-fee filters
Start your search on a reliable rental site that allows you to filter by “no fee.” On Zumper, for example, you can narrow your results to only show “no leasing fee” listings.
For example:
- Go to zumper.com
- Enter your desired city or neighborhood
- Select “More” filters on the filters bar**
- In the pop up, scroll to the bottom and under “Listing Features,” check the box for “No leasing fee”
This instantly removes fee listings, so you’re only browsing apartments without extra costs.
**As of June 2025, it is illegal for landlords and property managers to charge the broker’s fee to renters in New York City. The Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses Act (FARE Act) requires landlords to cover the broker’s fee.
2. Expand your search area strategically
If you’re having trouble finding no-fee options in your ideal neighborhood, try widening your search radius by one to two neighborhoods. You might find more landlord-direct listings or professionally managed buildings that waive broker fees altogether.
Most rental sites allow you to expand their map area, which then automatically refreshes with listings in the expanded radius. On Zumper, you can do just this. Just hit the “redo search in this area” button on the map, and the listings will repopulate with more options.
3. Walk around your desired neighborhood
Another option is more old school! Lace up your sneakers and walk around the area in which you want to live, looking for “For rent” signs on buildings in the vicinity. Oftentimes, buildings with open units will post a sign with a phone number you can call for more information. You may find that you talk directly with the landlord or property management company in this way, bypassing brokers.
4. Check neighborhood community resources
No-fee apartments may be listed on:
- Local community boards and bulletin boards
- Community association websites
- Neighborhood Facebook groups or Nextdoor
- Word of mouth through friends and neighbors
Check area coffee shops or local gathering spaces for bulletin boards, and ask your neighbors and friends to keep their ears to the ground for news of anyone moving.
Safety reminder: Always exercise caution when contacting people you don’t know. Bring a friend to meetings, never send money without touring the apartment, and don’t agree to rent without reviewing and signing a lease.
What’s the catch with no-fee apartments?
While no-fee apartments can save you money upfront, there are a few things to consider:
Higher competition: No-fee listings get snapped up quickly because they’re in high demand.
Potentially higher rent: Some landlords may build the broker fee cost into higher monthly rent, though this isn’t always the case.
Fewer options: You’ll have a smaller pool of apartments to choose from compared to including fee-based listings.
Limited negotiation: Landlords offering no-fee apartments may be less flexible on rent negotiations since they’re already absorbing costs.
Tips for finding no-fee apartments
Here are additional strategies to improve your chances of landing a no-fee apartment:
- Act fast: Set up alerts on Zumper so you’re notified immediately when new no-fee listings go live. Be ready to apply within hours, not days.
- Have your paperwork ready: Prepare all application materials in advance (credit report, pay stubs, references, bank statements) so you can apply immediately.
- Be flexible: Consider expanding your criteria for move-in date, specific amenities, or exact neighborhood to uncover more no-fee options.
- Apply to multiple apartments: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—apply to several no-fee apartments that meet your criteria.
Are no-fee apartments lower quality?
Not necessarily. The fee structure doesn’t determine apartment quality. You can find both high-end luxury apartments and budget-friendly units available as no-fee rentals. The key difference is simply how the landlord chooses to handle leasing costs—some prefer to manage it themselves or absorb broker fees to attract tenants faster.
On Zumper, you can save your favorite no-fee listings, track new ones as they’re posted, and even apply directly online—all in one place.
Final thoughts
Finding a no-fee apartment doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the right strategies, you can bypass broker fees and move into a place that fits your budget upfront.
Start your search today on Zumper and filter for “no fee” listings to make the process faster and more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the average broker fee for apartments? Broker fees typically range from 5% to 15% of the annual rent. On a $3,000/month apartment, you could pay between $1,800 to $5,400 in broker fees.
Are no-fee apartments lower quality than apartments with broker fees? No. The fee structure doesn’t determine apartment quality. No-fee apartments can be just as high-quality as fee-based rentals—the difference is simply how the landlord handles leasing costs.
How much money can I save with a no-fee apartment? On a $2,500/month apartment, you could save $1,500 to $4,500 in upfront broker fees, which can cover your security deposit, moving costs, or furniture.
Why do some landlords offer no-fee apartments? Landlords may offer no-fee apartments to attract tenants faster, because they handle leasing in-house without external brokers, or to remain competitive in the rental market.
Which cities have banned broker fees? New York City banned charging broker fees to renters in June 2025 through the FARE Act. Other cities still allow broker fees, though no-fee options are available in most markets.
Do no-fee apartments have higher monthly rent? Not always. While some landlords may build broker costs into higher rent, many no-fee apartments have competitive market-rate pricing. It’s best to compare similar apartments in your area.
How quickly do no-fee apartments get rented? No-fee apartments often get rented within 24-48 hours of being listed due to high demand. Setting up search alerts and having application materials ready is crucial for success.
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