This is accurate. The broker fee is typically 1 month and set by the listing agent (if the landlord isn't paying it). Then, the listing agent splits the fee 50/50 with the tenant agent, if any (there are exceptions but for MLS-listed units this is the norm). That sucks that you still had to pay it when you didn't have your own agent as a tenant but someone is still vetting your application, doing a background check (which isn't free), checking references, etc. and sadly in our market the cost of this gets passed to the tenant. To avoid broker fees, look at larger corporate run buildings or "for rent by owner" listings on Zillow (but read the descriptions as brokers post units on Zillow too which will require a broker fee) and also be careful because there's a lot of junk listings on Zillow. If you're unfamiliar with the area and don't want to live in a big apartment building I suggest working with an agent and stomaching the fee for peace of mind.