What is the difference between a rental broker and a rental agent

 

First of all, it’s good to know how to distinguish these 2 different activities from each other.

You have a rental broker and a rental agent.

Definition Rental broker

This is professionally hired by a homeowner. In this case, the owner of the house is the customer and the rental agent works for this customer, the owner of the house. The broker advises the homeowner, places an advertisement, advises in choosing the right tenant, does a rental and financial check and prepares the contracts and invoices for the landlord. In this case, the broker does not provide any services to the tenant. In this case, the homeowner pays the broker.

Definition Rental agent


You also have a rental agent. This is hired by a tenant/expat. The rental agent helps you find suitable accommodation. These are tasks/examples that may include this service:

Scheduling viewings, communication with other parties or brokers regarding suitable homes or properties or opportunity outside the market, advice, whether the rent is fair, look at negotiation options, check your rental contract for legal aspects, assist you during key transfer and inspection, help you cancel the rental -and checkout in the future, helping you with matters during the rental period, but also helping you to check out, whether it is 1 year or 5 years later.

Dutch law: a broker may not represent the interests of the home owner and the tenant at the same time.
So the broker may not be paid at the same time by the landlord and the tenant.

the facts at a glance

  • Only pay a fee if someone really works for you and gives you added value, like above services.

  • Only pay a fee on a successful transaction. So only if you can really rent a property.
    And not in advance!!

  • It is prohibited if an agent works for the landlord and is paid and also charges a fee to the tenant. Even if, for example, this is only 50 euros. That's not allowed!

  • A rental broker works for the home-owner

  • A rental agent works for the client

Do you have more questions about this topic?


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