Excellent question—and a common one. But here’s the truth: even tenants with the best landlord relationships should absolutely consider engaging a broker, especially one who only represents tenants. Here’s why:
They’re running a business. Their goal is to lease space at the highest possible rent with the fewest concessions. A strong relationship doesn’t mean you’re getting the best deal—it might just mean you're the easiest one to renew.
In almost all commercial leases, the landlord budgets for a broker commission whether or not the tenant has representation. If you don’t have a broker, that fee typically goes to the landlord’s rep or stays in the landlord’s pocket. You’re paying for representation whether you use it or not—might as well get the full value.
Your landlord knows exactly what deals are being cut in the building and around town. Do you? A tenant-only broker arms you with comps, trends, incentives, and leverage that you simply don’t get from being “a good tenant.”
More space, less space, hybrid model, consolidation, relocation—all worth evaluating when the lease is coming up. A broker helps you quantify those options and, even if you stay put, use those alternatives as leverage in negotiations.
Bottom line? Even if you like your landlord (and you should), it’s a business negotiation. Not bringing in a broker is like going into a court of law without an attorney. The relationship might be strong—but the market still plays by its own rules.
Tom Koelzer | 847-778-0296 | tkoelzer@tenantadvisors.com
Dave Ven Horst | 847-951-8922 | dvenhorst@tenantadvisors.com
