Inflation in cost of living.

Recently I read the in one of the news papers that cost of living in Qatar or Inflation to be precise has not increased drastically.
However when you look at the biggest item in any households budget Housing rental, It has gone up from anywhere 12%- 18% or more depending where you live.
If you move houses not only one ends up paying the differential on rent but also the brokerage and Once you add this to you monthly rental.
Last year when I used to go through the accommodations page on QL, to search for places to live I could see brokers charging 1 week or less rent as their commission to close the deal what I see now is that they are asking for 2 weeks to 1 month’s rent. Add this up to you rent over a 12 month period the inflation on rental goes through the roof crossing 16% to 25%.
Secondly I do not understand why brokers are needed in Qatar. The broker does not have to make any effort other than being a channel of communication. The broker does not help in sorting out and legal documentation related to house/apartment. Does not help in getting the relocation down etc. Why to pay brokerage at all.
Certain solutions which I see in controlling you cost of rentals are enter in to a long term contract with the owner with known increment in rental every year. Have a exit clause where you or the owner can give sufficient notice to vacate the place. Try and have recurring costs built into the rental itself like utilities, internet, Satellite/cable TV etc. they small things add up big way at the end of the year.