Q: 2 NYC rental brokers showed me the same apartment, now both want me to pay fee.
I had 2 apt visits set up one day with two different brokers. Broker A had shown me an apt a week earlier and then contacted me about this new apt. I emailed Broker B after seeing an online listing. Neither told me the building address and, as it turns out, both showed me the same apt. Broker A showed it to me first. When Broker B took me to the same apt, I wasn't sure what to do, so I acted like I'd never seen it. I decided I wanted the apt, and when the brokers emailed me, I asked each about their fee. After some thought, I felt obligated to use A- he showed it to me first and I'd worked with him longer. I rented the apt and paid A his fee. Now B has invoiced me for a 15% fee. I know it was a mistake to not just be honest with B - but I never signed anything with B and only had a brief post-visit email exchange about fees. Does B have any legal standing to demand a fee? Should I send B a note explaining/apologizing for what happened? Or would that cause more problems?
A: Read the agreements you made with each, if applicable. That should determine your duties. The best first step is an Initial Consultation with an Attorney. You can read more about me, my credentials, awards, honors, testimonials, and media appearances/ publications on my law practice website. I practice law in CA, NY, MA, and DC in the following areas of law: Business & Contracts, Criminal Defense, Divorce & Child Custody, and Education Law. This answer does not constitute legal advice; make any predictions, guarantees, or warranties; or create any Attorney-Client relationship.
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