Hey everyone, I have a question related to renting an apartment that I am hoping someone can help me out with. I recently called an apartment complex I was interested in to see if they had any available units. I was informed by the girl on the phone that I would have to call someone else in order to acquire that information and I was given the cell phone number of another woman. So I called this woman and found out that a few units were available and we set up a time to meet yesterday afternoon to look at the units. About halfway through the tour I learned that this woman was a realtor working on behalf of the apartment complex and that in addition to first and last month's rent, I would also be responsible to pay a broker's fee upfront of approximately $1100 (which is equivalent to one month's rent). I did not plan on paying this and I had no idea I was even meeting with a broker. My question is, if I am interested in this unit, am I obligated to go through this broker since she showed me the unit or can I try going directly through the main office of the complex and renting the unit that way? I did not sign any sort of written contract where I promised I would rent this unit through her if I decided to rent at all (but I am not sure if that makes a difference or not). I live in New York. Thanks to all for your advice!