When I was apartment hunting on Long Island, particularly through Facebook marketplace and other listing platforms, I was shocked to discover exorbitant realtor fees. Many apartments located in people’s homes in Suffolk County charge these fees at the rate of one month’s rent - often $3,000 or more! This is an overwhelming burden for renters, especially when the actual effort put forth by realtors may involve reviewing dozens or even hundreds of qualified applications with minimal additional work.

These fees are unjustly high, making the housing market in Long Island even more inaccessible for potential renters. The primary responsibility of paying a realtor should rest on the homeowner who chose to hire them, not on renters who are already struggling under high living costs. Furthermore, there should be a legal cap on these fees, which should not exceed $1,200.

Inflated fees discourage many from seeking adequate housing or drive them toward less safe, unregulated rental options. By modifying the existing structure to mandate homeowners cover these costs, we can create a more equitable, transparent rental market.

Some facts to consider: According to a recent study, Long Island's housing costs are among the highest in the country. A Rent.com analysis shows that average rents in Nassau and Suffolk counties have climbed consistently, exacerbating the financial strain on residents. With these fees in play, renters are unfairly burdened with additional costs that make Long Island even less affordable.

We urge local government officials and housing authorities to re-evaluate current policies on realtor fees for renters in Long Island and to enact legislation that alleviates renters from this financial burden. By signing this petition, you are supporting fair housing practices and advocating for a more reasonable and just housing market.

Please join us in making Long Island housing more affordable and accessible. Sign this petition to eliminate excessive realtor fees for Long Island renters.