Its no secret that in some rental markets rental property is in short supply, can be difficult to find and can even be harder to be the first one in line to rent a unit. Here's a tip for you to help you if you live in such an area.

In many large city you can engage the services of a rental agent to help you find a place to live. These agents charge a fee, but sometimes the fee is paid by the property manager of the rental unit. Renters agents help property managers by keeping their occupancy rates high. An empty unit cost them money.

Sometimes you will have to pay the fee of the rental agent yourself. This is often the case in markets with severe housing shortages. Usually the agent's fee is a percentage of the first month's rent for the unit he or she is able to find for you. While this can seem costly remember that the alternative is often spending days, weeks or even months racing from apartment to apartment only to discover someone has arrived before you and signed the lease. So, renter's agents can save you a lot of time and trouble.