Most apartments are listed by us realtors. You should try and search up “for rent by owners” if you want to avoid the broker fee. Another option… I know landlords out there who are willing to accept a program called “Rhino” or “Leap.” I’m sure if you dig enough you will find them as well. These programs allows you to pay your security deposit as a monthly premium instead and avoid you having to layout 1.5x the rent for it… which you could turn around and put it into the broker fee instead. Best thing about this is that you’re not paying nearly anywhere near your security deposit when you total the monthly premium for 12 months. Worst thing about it is that you don’t get it back. It does alleviate the pressure of putting large sums of money up front. Other than that, I could send you a list of listed by realtor apartments where the broker fee is paid by the landlord. Let me know if you have any questions regarding this! Happy to help. This should be enough to help you do it on your own though

I'm in my 3rd apartment in JC and all three I found on Craigslist. Realtor fees are rediculously expensive especially with the rate rents are trending in the city. Are there less listings? Yes, but better than paying 1.5 months of rent towards nothing.

No there is no way

Drive around areas you want to rent and look for signs?

Over the last 10 years we've had to look for tenants 5 times, 2 of those came from just putting a sign in the window. We stopped even using craigslist since 99% of calls were people who thought they can get an apartment for like $500/month, or real estate agents looking for clients.

Move in to the apartment, tell the realtor to pound sand when they harass you about the broker fee.

Look for apartment buildings which has leasing office.

No realtor in their right mind would hand over keys without their fee in hand first.

LUXURY FEES