The short answer
In many cases the landlord pays the agent’s commission, so a tenant should not be charged a separate finder fee on top of the rent and deposit. If you are asked to pay simply to view a home, or to “hold” one you have not seen, ask exactly what the fee covers and treat it as a warning sign. At Nest the landlord pays our commission and you never pay a tenant agency fee.
How the agent is paid
An agent is paid by whoever asked them to find the deal. For a rental, that is often the landlord, who wants a tenant found. Some agents are paid by the renter instead, so the question is which kind you are dealing with. Ask before the first viewing who pays the agent, and get the answer in writing.
Three charges to question
- A fee to view: a viewing should cost you nothing
- A fee to hold a home you have not seen: pay nothing until you have seen the home, in person or on a live video call
- A finder fee on top of the landlord’s commission: you should not be charged twice
Five questions to ask any agent before you view
- Who pays you, and how much?
- Do I pay you anything at any point, and for what?
- Will you put that in writing?
- Is the home available today, and when was it last checked?
- Will I get a receipt for any money I pay, and a contract I can read?
How Nest works
Nest is a rental agency. The landlord pays our commission, and you never pay a tenant agency fee. Every Nest home is inspected in person, the owner is verified, and the contract is translated into your language. Our apartment rental service explains how it works, our guide to rental scams in Hanoi covers the tricks to watch for, and the FAQ answers the rest.
Find your apartment the safe way
Verified listings, transparent all-in pricing, contracts in your language, and no tenant agency fees. Browse homes or talk to a Nest advisor.
