Why Broker Fees Should Not Be Forced Upon Rental Property Owners

I was pleased to be featured in an NBC News Channel 10 story by Kirsten Glavin discussing the broker fee debate in Boston. 

Data from Boston Pads shows that 70% of rental property providers currently do not cover broker fee costs. While the New York City Council’s recent decision to ban broker fees for tenants may seem like a solution, we need to be cautious about unintended consequences. There are massive differences in commission structures and costs in New York compared to Boston. It’s simply not the same.

More importantly, shifting the financial burden to housing providers doesn’t address the root of the issue: a severe lack of housing supply. In fact, this policy risks pushing rents even higher as landlords—especially smaller ones—are forced to cover additional costs in an already expensive market. Without enough housing to meet demand, renters could face fewer choices and steeper rent increases.

The key to lowering rents and alleviating financial pressures on renters isn’t redistributing broker fees—it’s focusing on zoning reform and creating policies that incentivize the creation of additional housing supply.

I urge policymakers and stakeholders to look beyond quick fixes and tackle the underlying challenges with long-term, sustainable solutions.

Boston Pads on NBC News: Should Boston landlords pay broker fees?

by Demetrios Salpoglou