Is it legal for a broker to charge a renter to see an off-market apartment?

Charging a renter simply to view a property raises real legal concerns under South Carolina real estate licensing rules, since a broker's compensation is generally expected to come from a completed transaction rather than access to a showing itself. A renter asked to pay upfront just to see a listing should ask for that arrangement in writing and verify the broker's license through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Brian Beatty never charges a renter or buyer simply to view a property.