NoTry732 t1_jad0k9q wrote on February 28, 2023 at 3:40 PM

It’s bullshit, but it’s standard bullshit

throwawaysscc t1_jad9b7u wrote on February 28, 2023 at 4:37 PM

Application fees are illegal. A judge has ruled that owners may not charge applicants a fee that covers the owner’s costs in processing an application. Read about it here

Master_Dogs t1_jae0rso wrote on February 28, 2023 at 7:31 PM

Yes, landlords cannot. The AG's page here is pretty clear on this.

The OP is dealing with a real estate agent though, who must follow the State regulations on broker fees found here. The rules for brokers are extremely lax thanks to decades of lobbying to protect their prized broker fees.

NoTry732 t1_jadaubu wrote on February 28, 2023 at 4:47 PM

If $50 is the hill you’re going to die on I hope your car is comfortable

Smooth_Possible5629 t1_jad1ugu wrote on February 28, 2023 at 3:49 PM

Usually realtor charge one months rent. It is up to the landlord if he or the tenant is to pay the fee. In your case the tenant is to pay. You can always ask to split it. I’m a realtor in Boston but don’t really do rentals but sounds standard. Now if the agents name was tom smith from All star real estate and they asked you to write the check out to tom smith not all star real estate then that would be weird. It’s always written out to the brokerage ( ex. Coldwell banker). Quick google search should help verify the agent.