How Much Does a Real Estate Agent Cost for Renting?

If you're thinking about renting a home or leasing out your property, you may be wondering: how much does a real estate agent cost for renting? It's a common question—and an important one—especially in high-demand markets like Southern California, where finding the right rental (or tenant) can be a competitive and fast-moving process.

The cost of working with a real estate agent for rentals depends on a few key factors: whether you're the renter or landlord, your local market, and the type of rental involved (standard lease, luxury lease, furnished short-term, etc.).

Let’s break it all down so you can decide what makes the most sense for your rental goals.

Do Renters Pay a Real Estate Agent?

In many cases, no—renters don’t pay anything out of pocket to work with a real estate agent. In markets like Southern California, the agent’s commission is typically paid by the landlord, as an incentive to help fill their property with a qualified tenant faster.

That means renters often get the benefit of:

• Expert guidance

• Access to private and pre-listed rentals

• Help with paperwork and screening

• Support throughout the lease process

… all without writing a check.

However, here are some exceptions renters should be aware of:

• In ultra-competitive rental markets (like New York City, and sometimes West LA), renters may be expected to pay a broker fee, which can range from a flat fee to 1 month’s rent, or even up to 15% of the annual lease amount.

• If a renter is seeking highly specialized assistance—like relocation services, corporate housing, or high-end short-term furnished rentals—an agent might charge a service fee, especially if there’s no landlord commission involved.

• In rare cases, renters may voluntarily offer a fee to incentivize an agent to assist with a very specific or difficult search.

The good news? Most renters in Southern California pay nothing and still get the benefit of a professional guiding them through the process.

How Much Do Landlords Pay a Real Estate Agent?

If you're a landlord, hiring a real estate agent to lease your property can be a smart, time-saving move—especially if you want to avoid the headaches of marketing, showings, and tenant screening.

So, how much does a real estate agent cost to rent out your property?

Here’s what to expect in Southern California:

One Month’s Rent (Most Common)

This is the standard structure for most rental properties. For example, if your rental is listed at $3,500/month, you’d pay your agent $3,500 once a qualified tenant signs a lease.

Percentage of the Annual Lease

In some cases, agents may charge 6% to 10% of the annual lease total instead of a flat month. So for a $3,500/month lease ($42,000/year), the commission could be $2,520 to $4,200.

Tiered or Premium Services

If you’re leasing out a luxury property, or multi-unit building, or want full-service leasing plus management, the fee may be higher and include:

• Professional photography and marketing

• Tenant interviews and background checks

• Lease drafting and negotiation

• Ongoing management or rent collection

In these cases, the fee structure can be customized to match the scope of services and your rental income goals.

Is It Worth It to Work with a Real Estate Agent for Rentals?

Short answer? Absolutely—when you’re working with the right agent.

For Renters:

• Save hours searching and applying for homes that may already be taken

• Get early access to off-market rentals or listings before they hit the public sites

• Have someone in your corner helping you understand lease terms, fees, deposits, and your rights as a tenant

• Avoid rental scams or unverified listings

For Landlords:

• Minimize vacancy by attracting serious, qualified renters faster

• Avoid tenant issues through proper screening and lease enforcement

• Maximize income with accurate pricing and targeted marketing

• Avoid legal pitfalls with a professional handling lease paperwork and compliance

And perhaps most importantly—working with a trusted, experienced agent allows both renters and landlords to feel confident and supported every step of the way.

The Bottom Line

So, how much does a real estate agent cost for renting?

• Renters in Southern California usually pay $0—the agent’s commission is typically covered by the landlord.

• Landlords can expect to pay one month’s rent or a percentage of the lease, depending on the agreement and scope of services provided.

In either case, having a local expert on your side can make a major difference—not just in saving time, but in securing the right outcome.

Renting or Leasing in Southern California? Let’s Talk.

Whether you're trying to find your next rental home or want to lease out your property to a reliable tenant, I’m here to help. I’ve worked with landlords, tenants, and investors across Orange County and the greater Southern California region—and I know how to make the process smooth, efficient, and tailored to your needs.

Written By: Bryce Yould

Bryce Yould is a trusted realtor serving Southern California with a focus on premium service, local expertise, and results-driven strategies. Whether you're buying, selling, or exploring off market opportunities, Bryce is here to guide you every step of the way.

Call or text: 949-287-3888
bryce@notchluxury.com