"Prior to June, New York City renters were often charged a hefty fee, equal to a month's rent or more, to a broker before signing a lease on a new apartment, even if they found the unit by themselves without any help. That changed after enforcement of the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses, or FARE, Act began June 11. The new measure requires whoever hires the broker to pay their fee and to disclose all upfront costs."
"The city Department of Consumer and Worker Protection received at least 1,125 complaints and questions related to the law as of Oct. 7, an agency spokesperson told Gothamist. Data published online by the city shows dozens of people alleged they were charged a broker fee since the law was first enforced. Hundreds more reported the fees were posted to apartment listings, or that landlords or agents charged them undisclosed fees. Only a small number of those complaints have so far resulted in penalties."
More than 1,125 complaints and questions about potential violations of the Fairness in Apartment Rental Expenses (FARE) Act were filed with the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection as of Oct. 7. Enforcement began June 11 and requires whoever hires a broker to pay the broker fee and disclose all upfront costs; penalties range from $750 to $2,000. Dozens alleged they were charged broker fees after enforcement, and hundreds reported fees posted on listings or undisclosed fees charged by landlords or agents. The agency issued 25 summonses and settled three cases. The law was passed last November and withstood a legal challenge from the Real Estate Board of New York.
Read at Gothamist
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