Can a Real Estate Agent Help You Find a Rental?

In this article:

• How an agent can help you find a rental 
• How much does it cost to hire a rental agent? 
• How to find a real estate agent for renting
• What are the pros of hiring a rental agent?
• What are the cons of hiring a rental agent? 

Having the right guidance when you’re looking for a place to rent can have a big influence on where you end up living. Hiring a real estate agent with rental expertise might be helpful in certain circumstances, such as if you’re searching in a highly competitive rental market. The trick is being able to successfully find a rental agent to work with; in many markets, it may be more difficult to find a real estate agent who prioritizes rentals over home sales.

Let’s explore how an agent can impact your rental search, the pros and cons of working with a rental agent, and how to find one.

How an agent can help you find a rental

There are various ways a real estate agent can help you in your hunt for your next rental. Here are some of the most common:

Market expertise

Agents are experts in their local market. A good rental agent can help you grasp the dynamics and values of different neighborhoods. Whether you're a newcomer or just exploring a new part of town, an agent can provide information about schools, public transportation, local amenities, and safety, ensuring you lock down a home that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. They can also help you if you need an apartment with specific requirements, like a pet-friendly place, or included parking. 

Pro tip: You can use the Zillow® rentals platform filters to find rentals that have the above-mentioned features and other popular amenities.

Negotiation help

Another one of the most significant advantages of working with a rental agent is their ability to negotiate terms and rent. Because agents are well-versed in their market, they can use their knowledge to help you get the best deal possible. That could mean securing lower rent or more favorable lease terms that you might not achieve on your own, like free parking or a utility credit.

Lease navigation

You should be sure you have a complete and clear understanding of your lease before you sign. It’s important to be aware of scams when you’re trying to lock down a rental. An experienced rental agent will be good at spotting red flags, like rent that’s so low, it seems too good to be true, or rules that seem unusually one-sided. We’ve got a list of what you can expect to find in most rental lease agreements, like the process for how you would file maintenance requests.

Paperwork and communication management

Agents also take on the cumbersome paperwork and communication involved in the rental process. From the first inquiry to the final lease signing, there are countless forms and communications that need to be managed. A rental agent can streamline this process, saving you time and stress when finding a new place to live. They will ensure that all documents are completed accurately and submitted on time, which can be crucial in a competitive rental market.

How much does it cost to hire a rental agent?

Hiring and using a real estate agent’s services, even for a rental, often involves a fee. These fees are designed to cover the time and effort the agent invests into locating the right rental for you, negotiating terms, and taking care of the paperwork. Sometimes your landlord may cover your agent’s fees, or split them with you; that’s something your agent could negotiate for.

Rental agents may ask for the equivalent of one month’s rent, or up to 25% of one month’s rent, depending on your local market and regulations. But you should negotiate the final amount and get it in writing before you agree to work together.

How to find a real estate agent for renting

One of the easiest ways to find the right real estate agent for renting is to look through Zillow’s agent directory. Start by entering your location. From there, you will be able to filter for rentals experts under “Specialty.” You can read their bio, view a map of listings, and read reviews from past clients to determine if they’re a good fit. 

You could also look at rental listings in your target city or neighborhood. While the property manager or landlord is usually listed as the point of contact, you might find an agent listed instead. If you do see an agent’s info, reach out to see if they’re taking on clients. They may decline since they’re already representing the property on behalf of the landlord, but could be worth asking.

What to look for in a rental agent

Having trust and confidence in your agent’s ability to get you into the right rental is very important. There are various characteristics to look for when you first meet, like how you get along, and whether you feel there’s good communication between you. It’s also preferred to find an agent who’s experienced in rentals.

What are the pros of hiring a rental agent?

Having a real estate agent to help you find your next rental can benefit you in many ways. Keep in mind that your benefits may differ depending on what you’re looking for.

• Makes you competitive: If you’re trying to rent in a city where rentals come off the market quickly, an agent who’s familiar with the market will have good strategies to get you home.

• Saves you time: An agent searches for rentals for you and presents you with properties that match your given criteria, price point, and area.

• Coordinates with landlords: This can be especially helpful if you’re busy and need to take calls or return emails quickly. The agent does all that for you.

• Negotiates the lease: An agent might be able to get you better lease terms, from lowering your security deposit to getting you some free perks.

What are the cons of hiring a rental agent?

There are also some possible downsides to consider when you hire an agent to help you find your rental. 

• Paying commission: You will likely have to pay your rental agent’s commission, and it could be hundreds or even thousands of dollars depending on your market and your agent. 
• Hiring difficulties: It could be tough to find an agent who works in rentals, especially if you’re in a smaller market.
• You may not need an agent: Rental platforms like Zillow make it easy to find the right rental for you, on your own. If you have a pretty good idea of the area you want to live in, have set your budget using Zillow’s Rent Affordability Calculator, and you know what you want, you could try searching for spots yourself.

Whether you choose to hire a real estate agent to help you find a rental is up to you. Consider your situation (i.e. whether you have time, money, and know your city), then look into your options. You can find all sorts of rentals — from houses and apartments, to cabins and condos — on Zillow. And you can find an agent on Zillow, too.