Renting my home myself, but renter's agent wants commission

[Jeremy Kaufman]

For the first time, I am becoming a landlord.   I am leasing my Los Angeles home for 2.5 years.  I have it listed for $6,300/mo on Craigslist and Zillow.   

The agent of a prospective tenet is asking me for 4% commission.   Is it customary for an unrepresented landlord to have to pay a tenant's agent commission?  Is 4% customary? If I refuse to pay a commission, will it be impossible for me to find a renter? 

I'd appreciate any advice.  Thanks!

[Courtney M.]

Hey Jeremy. When I list my LA properties on Craigslist, I get ALL kinds of calls from people offering to bring me tenants if I pay them a commission. I always say no. I always rent it to other people within a week. If you want to hire someone, thats up to you, but if the prospective TENANT hired someone - you dont owe them anything.