TenantBase vs. Calling the "For Lease" Sign: Who Is on Your Side?
The person who answers a "For Lease" sign represents the landlord. Who you're talking to, how dual agency works, and when to get your own tenant rep.
The person who answers a "For Lease" sign is the landlord's broker. Their job is to lease that building on the best terms for the owner. A tenant rep broker's job is to get the best terms for you. Both cost you nothing out of pocket.
- Call the sign if you only want facts about that one building, such as size, availability and asking rent.
- Use TenantBase if you plan to sign a lease and want someone comparing that building against the rest of the market and negotiating for you.
This is page 2 of our comparison series. If you are deciding between browsing listing sites and getting a broker, start with TenantBase vs. Listing Sites.
Who answers when you call a "For Lease" sign?
The landlord's listing broker. A listing broker becomes the property owner's agent through a listing agreement, and an agent's basic duty is to put their client's interests above all others. Texas spells this out in the brokerage notice every licensee must give, from the Texas Real Estate Commission. The listing broker will be helpful, but their client is the owner, not you.
That matters from the first call. Anything you tell the listing broker about your budget, your timing or how much you like the space can be used to set the landlord's terms. A listing broker will also show you their building or their own listings, not every space in the market that fits.
Can the landlord's broker represent you too?
In many states, yes, as a disclosed dual agent or intermediary, but only with written consent from both sides, and then they have to stay neutral. Two examples:
- Texas: a broker acting as an intermediary must get each party's written agreement, must treat all parties impartially and fairly, and cannot reveal that the tenant would pay more than offered without written permission (Texas Real Estate Commission).
- California: since January 1, 2015, brokers must give written agency disclosures for commercial leases longer than one year, and a dual agent cannot disclose, without consent, that the tenant would pay more (California Civil Code §2079.13).
A neutral broker cannot push for your best deal. If you want someone negotiating for you, you need your own tenant rep. Agency rules vary by state, so confirm the rules where you are leasing.
How does each path work, step by step?
The example: a 10-person company that likes a 3,000 SF office or retail space in its own neighborhood, with its current lease ending in 8 months.
| Stage | Calling the sign, you... | With TenantBase, you... |
|---|---|---|
| 1. First contact | Reach the listing broker, who asks about your budget, timing and how much you like the space. | Fill out a short sign-up (about 2 minutes), then get introduced to a partner broker who represents you. |
| 2. Market view | See one building, or that broker's own listings. | See every space that fits, including the one on the sign and options that are not advertised. |
| 3. Tour | Tour with the landlord's broker. | Tour with your broker, who asks about operating costs, building issues and lease history. |
| 4. Proposal | Respond to the landlord's terms on your own. | Your broker sends proposals to several landlords so they compete for you. |
| 5. Negotiate | Negotiate rent, free rent, TI allowance and renewal options yourself. | Your broker negotiates using recent comparable deals. |
| 6. Sign | Review the lease with your attorney. | Your broker and attorney review the lease together. |
Calling the sign vs. TenantBase: side-by-side
Calling the sign is faster for one question about one building. A tenant rep wins every row that involves comparing options or negotiating.
| Decision | Calling the sign | TenantBase |
|---|---|---|
| Who the broker represents | The landlord, or both sides as a disclosed dual agent or intermediary | You, as your tenant rep |
| Spaces you see | That building, plus that broker's listings | Every space that fits, including options that are not advertised |
| Negotiation | You negotiate alone | Your broker negotiates for you |
| Competing offers | One landlord | Several landlords at once |
| Your budget and timing | Shared with the landlord's side | Stay with your broker |
| Cost to tenant | $0 | $0, free for tenants in all major U.S. cities |
| Speed to first answer | Same day | About 2 minutes to sign up, then a broker introduction |
Is it cheaper to lease without a broker?
Usually not. The tenant pays $0 in broker fees either way, because landlords typically budget broker commissions into the deal. Depending on the listing agreement, going unrepresented can simply mean the landlord's broker keeps the commission that would have gone to your broker.
Scenario: 3,000 SF, 5-year term, $35.00/SF/year asking rent. Figures are illustrative.
| Line item | Calling the sign | TenantBase |
|---|---|---|
| Broker fee paid by tenant | $0 | $0 |
| Total lease value at asking (before escalations) | $525,000 | $525,000 |
| Each extra month of free rent negotiated | $8,750 | $8,750 |
| Who is negotiating that month | You | Your broker |
The math is the same on both sides. What changes is who is pushing for each concession, and free rent is only one of them (see the lease clauses that cost tenants the most). We do not promise a specific savings figure; it depends on the market, the building and your timing.
Already called the sign? What to do next
You can still get representation. Calling a listing broker does not lock you in.
- Write down what you shared: who you spoke with, the date, and anything you said about budget or timing.
- Do not sign a letter of intent or proposal yet. Get your own broker first so they can negotiate it.
- Tell your new broker about the building. They will contact the listing broker for you and can still pursue that space.
- Check any agency paperwork. If you signed an agency disclosure or representation form, show it to your broker or attorney.
- Let your broker compare it to the market. The space on the sign is a stronger choice once you know what else is out there.
If you have already signed a letter of intent and are only finalizing the lease, your attorney can handle the review. For everything before that, the right fit matters; see Finding the Right Fit for Your Business and how tenant representation works.
Liked a building? Get someone on your side first.
Get matched with a local tenant rep broker who can pursue that space and compare it to the rest of the market, free for tenants.
Get matched freeFrequently asked questions
Who answers when I call a "For Lease" sign?
Do I need a broker to lease commercial space?
Can the landlord's broker also represent me?
What is dual agency in a commercial lease?
Is it cheaper to lease without a broker?
Can I still use a tenant rep after calling the sign?
How do I get a tenant rep broker through TenantBase?
Sources
- Information About Brokerage Services notice, Texas Real Estate Commission
- Important Alert for Commercial Owners/Landlords and Brokers/Agents: Changes to California Dual Agency Disclosure Laws, National Law Review (California Civil Code §2079.13, as amended by SB 1171, effective January 1, 2015)
- Why TenantBase? How to Find Commercial Space and the Right Broker, TenantBase
Dollar figures are illustrative math on the stated 3,000 SF lease, not a promise of savings. Facts checked October 30, 2026.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Agency rules differ by state; confirm with a licensed broker or attorney. TenantBase is a commercial real estate technology platform. Partner brokers are independent licensed professionals.