Massachusetts lawmakers are considering ending tenant-paid broker fees, a typical cost equivalent to one month’s rent. The potential law change follows a day in the life of rental broker Thomas Macdonald as he navigates the Boston housing market. Macdonald faces challenges like finding hidden apartments, dealing with disgruntled renters, and trying to provide value in a market dominated by high costs and stacked against renters. The current system often leaves renters frustrated with the hefty fees brokers charge without clear benefits. Momentum is building for a new law in Boston that would shift the burden of broker fees to whoever hires them, potentially easing the financial burden on renters. However, some brokers argue that they provide valuable services in a competitive market and warn against undermining their role in the housing market. The discussion around broker fees raises questions about the necessity of their services and the impact on renters in a market already facing high costs and limited options.
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