Who is supposed to pay for the agent's commission fee?
By northandsouth •
Hello,
I read in a guide to living in Doha, that the real estate agent's commission fee is paid by the landlord.
But as I've been looking around for accommodation, the agents have told me that their commission fee will be added to my rent, i.e. I have to pay the fee - not the landlord.
Is there any rule regarding this, or are the landlords free to demand whatever they like?
Grateful for any input.
I've been asking some colleagues and friends after I read your answers. They said basically that the current overheated situation is exploited by the agents, and they get their fee x2 - one from the landlord and then another from the tenant. Would appreciate your input on this.
Question #2: Referring back to my earlier question above - how do I contact the landlord directly, when the agent seems to be holding all info about the flat?
Question #3: Are there places (supermarkets, for instance) where one can find ads placed by landlords (or non-agent people)?
I THINK THE BOUNCER IS STOPPING THE SHORTY FLAT IN HER TOES AT THE DOOR.
ROFLMAO
Halarious
Me not speaky that Anglish!
LOL
The Red Pope of Qatar Living
Egomania goes with the territory of decoding your own genome.
I always mention who I work for, and the price drops fast :P (Not really, they just want to please me a bit more)
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no comprende...no habla Ingles...y Arabic...
I get confused when it comes to that subject
because that will make the price jump automatically...
and one thing I noticed today, when I called a few agents/people/God knows who! was that I think I shall be taken to the same apartment tomorrow by two different agents! Or if not the same apartment, then most likely the same building.
Now ... I suspect I am being given two different prices. It should be fun! :D
Someone suggested I may be asked a higher price because of my nationality ... shock horror *flings hands in the air* - but, seriously, I'm not sure how to handle the situation if it arises!
I'm in for an interesting day, but I think I already suspected that which is why I've put it off for so long and now have to gird my loins and leap into the fray!
Pray for me !
The landlord pays the fee.
This is the national system.
Of course they an ask for more if they want, but that's not the way it goes.
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I had to use an agent as well but I just argued with him & refused to pay. I know he was paid by the landlord because he was with me when I went to sign the tenancy agreement and the landlord gave him a cheque. I asked 2 of my colleagues & they refused to pay as well.
I don't hire agents, but in most cases, when I have called on an ad in the newspaper, I've been given the mobile number of an agent.
How do I go personally to the landlord, when the agent seems to be holding everything in his hands (I won't even get know the location unless the agent takes me there)?
After two weeks searching for accommodation in Doha, I have learned a lot about streets, directions & areas, but the truths about how to get a flat without losing money & time remain a bit of a mystery.
I really appreciate Qatarliving & all the kind support available.
If the agent demands a fee, don't pay and find another. There is enough competition in the market for you to find an attractive deal.
Most properties are represented by one company (Al Ashmakh, for instance) but there are multiple individual agents trying to lease it.
Pay the fee if you wish, but I never have and don't know of anyone who succumbed to the agent's pressure to do so. It's just a scam.
Must be another form of scam. No you don't paid commission you are not buying but renting!!
Why hire an agent? why just take sometime a do your own homework yourself?
A lot of friends bypass that scam by going personally to the landlord.
Just another form of preying on the weak that lacks information.
The Red Pope of Qatar Living
Egomania goes with the territory of decoding your own genome.
i did not say anything about the legality of the practice… I would not pay and would advice all my friends too as the agents do get paid from the Landlord it’s a form of cheating or being greedy
I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here
Than a whole truck load when I'm gone
You are wrong on this point and it is legal for the aent to demand a fee from the person who is leasing 20% - 50%of the whole rent is normal.
When we were looking for accommodation, one of the agents told us we have to pay them 2 months commission fee..that is in total QR31,000. It's obviously a total rip off. The worse thing as well is that they only told us about this when we were about to sign the contract. Tenants are not supposed to pay these real estate agents their commission fees..they should charge these to the landlord since the agents are working for them.
never pay commission to the agent ...he gets it from the landlord..... talk about buttering the bread from both side lol
I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend while I'm here
Than a whole truck load when I'm gone