Apartment Locators Are Free
You pay nothing, zip, zilch for AptAmigo’s apartment locating service. AptAmigo charges renters no brokerage or finder’s fee for this service. Property charges remain separate: rent, deposits, application fees, and other applicable expenses can still come from the building. Below, we explain who pays AptAmigo and what to verify before you apply.
Related: How to Take a Virtual Apartment Tour
How Does AptAmigo’s Apartment Locating Service Work?
Renters too often get left in the cold when it comes to traditional real estate. Because the most common type of real estate agent makes money from buying and selling properties (you’ve seen the tv shows!), few companies establish a sustainable system for rentals. Agents tend to perceive rentals as unprofitable and not worth the effort.
That’s why, even when a brokerage does offer support for rentals, you won’t receive the same quality of help as someone looking to buy.
AptAmigo disrupts the traditional real estate system by focusing exclusively on rentals, especially luxury apartments in major cities across the US. When you reach out to us for help, you gain an entire team of local experts waiting to support you at every stage of the process.
Your Dedicated Apartment Locator Will Treat You Like a VIP
After you reach out to us, an apartment locator will contact you. They’ll gather information about your preferences, and, yes, you can be as picky as you want. Looking for a dog park nearby? We can help. Coworking space? Check. Floor-to-ceiling windows? We’ve got you covered.
Once your agent builds your profile, they will search for apartments that match your criteria as closely as possible, put a list of potential buildings and units together, and then share it with you.
You can approve or reject any locations on your list, and once you give the go ahead, our team will start scheduling your tours. Your job: sit back and relax.
On your touring day, a touring agent, also your new BFF, will hang out with you the entire time. If you can’t show up in person, no problem; your tours can take place virtually. Your personal agent for the day will help you take notes, ask questions, offer feedback, and walk you through the process.
As soon as you choose the building of your dreams, you can apply.
Learn more about Using a Rental Locator Service.
How Do Apartment Locators Get Paid?
Participating apartment buildings compensate AptAmigo when we help a renter sign a qualifying lease. Our About Us page explains this payment model. Renters do not pay AptAmigo a service fee.
Ask how the participating-property network affects your options and which relevant buildings fall outside it. Share independently discovered listings with your locator, and confirm what assistance the team can provide. A clear explanation of compensation should accompany a clear explanation of the search’s coverage.
Which Costs Can a Building Still Charge?
| Cost category | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| AptAmigo locating service | No service fee to the renter. |
| Rent and recurring property charges | Base rent, mandatory fees, and selected extras such as parking. |
| Utilities and insurance | Included services, separate bills, estimates, and property requirements. |
| Application and move-in expenses | Amount, due date, whether refundable, and any written waiver. |
| Deposits | Amount due upfront and written refund conditions, recorded separately from spending. |
The FTC recommends getting additional rental fees confirmed in writing. “Free apartment locating” describes AptAmigo’s service; it does not waive the building’s charges. Ask for a unit-specific fee sheet and use our apartment touring checklist before committing.
Want free help finding your next apartment? Find out if we’re located in your city and reach out today!
* The original version of this article was first published on August 16, 2021.
