Normal for landlord to collect broker's fee?

Question

If a landlord is also the listing agent for an apartment is it normal for them to also collect a broker's fee? What does it mean for them to do this?

Answer 1

It's not normal for landlords to be paid rental agents for property they own. The only way this would make financial sense is if the landlord's total income, with that fee now potentially taxable, is so low that it is not taxable. They would then want to pay that fee to themselves because it would be a legitimate deductible expense for the rental business. Otherwise, they would have to pay income tax on the fee and that would more than offset any tax savings from the business deduction of the fee.

Answer 2

No.  Why should he pay himself a commission?  It would be taxable income on the broker's side.