How do you find no-fee apartments in South Florida?

Use a licensed agent who works on co-broke and discloses upfront that renters pay nothing. Avoid anyone charging a finder or placement fee beyond a standard background-check cost. The landlord or listing agent covers the commission, so the search costs you nothing.

How to Find Apartments in South Florida Without a Broker Fee

September 12, 2026 · 4 min read

Many renters in South Florida do not realize they are paying broker fees they do not have to pay. Here is how the system works and how to avoid unnecessary costs.

What is a broker fee?

In some rental markets, brokers charge renters a fee equal to one month's rent or a percentage of annual rent for helping them find an apartment. On a $2,000 per month unit, that is a $2,000 upfront fee just to secure the apartment. This is in addition to first month, last month, and security deposit.

Are broker fees common in South Florida?

Less common than in markets like New York City, but they do exist. Some property management companies and individual landlords work only with agents who pass the fee to the renter. Knowing how to identify these situations before you get deep into an application saves you money.

How co-broke works and why it benefits you

The most renter-friendly model is co-broke. The building or listing agent pays the rental agent who brings them a qualified renter. The renter pays nothing. This is how most professional rental transactions work in South Florida and it is the model that RentedFirst uses.

How to find no-fee apartments

Work directly with a licensed rental agent who discloses upfront that they operate on co-broke and charge renters nothing. Ask any agent you work with directly: do you charge renters any fees? A legitimate co-broke agent will say no without hesitation.

What to watch out for

Be cautious of agents who charge application fees beyond the standard background check cost. Be cautious of any fee described as a finder's fee or placement fee charged to you the renter. These are not standard in the South Florida co-broke market.

Zach Curtis at RentedFirst charges renters zero fees and operates exclusively on co-broke with buildings and listing agents across South Florida. Call 754-332-7529 or visit rentedfirst.com.