Most states require apartment locators to hold an active real estate license. This allows the apartment locator to collect a commission from their broker when a client signs a lease. Without a license, you are not allowed to profit from a third party real estate transaction and you are not allowed to represent renters interests. Every real estate agent must select a broker to hold their license. That broker is responsible for governing the agent and training the agent to make sure they are following all of the real estate laws.
Secondly, the board that issues the real estate license has the ability to suspend or revoke the license. If a renter files a complaint with the real estate board, stating the apartment locator is committing fraud or other unethical practices, the board has the power to investigate.