Use The Legal System To Get Your Real Estate Commission

There are many apartment locators/real estate agents you have had a problem in the past getting help collecting their commissions for their referral.

Apartment communities will pay a referral fee to any company or agent that sends them business. Most of the apartment communities will pay as long as the company or agent is listed as a referral on the guest card and application. But what about those properties who indicate they will pay a referral fee but simply ignore you?

Well there are a few different ways to insure you will receive payment. And it may mean you may have to file suit in small claims court. Most agents will just take the loss, however, small claims court is a very easy process for situations just as this.

If you have exhausted all avenues trying to collect your referral fee here is a step by step process to insure payment.

Write a demand letter to the property. You will want to make sure it is a certified letter. You will want to address it to the property manager and we like to send one to the management company too.  Although you will not sue the management company, there are usually the ones who cut the checks.

 There are many examples on the Internet that will outline what a demand letter should include. But you will state who you are, what you are asking for, and in how many days you wish the other party to comply.  It is also a good idea to include all the paperwork necessary in order for the payment to be processed. Usually you will want to give them 5 or 10 business days

If this step does not resolve this issue, you may be headed to small claims court. In Texas you will want to visit your local Justice of The Peace branch. Before you go, make sure you know who the defendant is. Most likely you will need the name of the registered agent. In Texas, there is a $95 filing fee.  You will be able to fill out the paperwork on-site. And that is it.

The apartment will be served within a certain amount of days. You can expect a phone call from an attorney or the legal department. At this point if you are entitled the referral fee they will pay you. It may take a week or two.

They will be making a big mistake if they want to go to court.