What to do if I can find a tenant before the agent does?

[Leo Tsang]

I am using an agent to fill my rental property hoping that he would have a much bigger network and be able to find a tenant much quicker.

At the same time, I also advertise by myself.

What if I could find a potential tenant before the agent could? Should I just screen and sign the contract with the tenant without going thru the agent? Or should I refer the potential tenant to the agent? 

If going down the first route, am I violating any contract with the agent? But the latter option will cost me a month of rent which, to me in my point of view, isnt worthy as it is not the agents effort.

What would you choose? And what's your suggestion? Thanks.