Survey Results on Broker Fee Debate

Boston Pads recently conducted a survey to gauge perspectives on broker fees in the Boston rental market, with a particular focus on how small property owners might be impacted. Their feedback provides valuable insight into how such a shift could reshape the rental market and affect housing availability.

Property owners want the flexibility to structure their leasing process in a way that best supports their business, and many worry that limiting choices could lead to fewer agents in the market—making it even harder to navigate compliance and secure quality tenants.

Take a look at the results below.

Do you support a change in the law stipulating that landlords that give their listings to brokers be forced to pay the broker’s fee?
📊 91.6% - NO

Do you believe smaller landlords would be disproportionately affected by this change compared to larger landlords?
📊 91.5% - YES

Would this change make it more challenging for you to maintain or improve your rental properties?
📊 82.6% - YES

Do you currently rent your properties through an exclusive agent?
📊 63.3% - NO

If you use an exclusive agent, do you pay the fee?
📊 7.3% - YES
📊 39.9% - NO
📊 52.8% - I Don’t Use An Exclusive Agent

If real estate agents left the industry due to less opportunities – do you think it would negatively impact your real estate business?
📊 76% - YES

If you were forced to rent properties on your own – do you see having greater difficulty in legally compliant paperwork?
📊 67.2% - YES

Should a landlord have the right to suggest any fee structure they choose at anytime?
📊 89% - YES

by Demetrios Salpoglou