5 Apartment Fees To Question Before Signing
Apartment hunting can be competitive. Attractive units often draw a lot of attention, making speed — and potentially compromise — part of the equation. Landlords often pressure prospective tenants to apply, sign and pay quickly, and in the rush to secure a place, it’s easy to overlook the fine print.
That can be a mistake, as renters increasingly face extra charges such as application fees, administrative fees and move-in costs in addition to base rent. Some companies have even faced enforcement action from the Federal Trade Commission, including a $48 million settlement paid by Invitation Homes over allegedly undisclosed tenant fees and related practices.
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Some fees reflect real costs and shouldn’t be over-scrutinized. But before signing any contract — including a lease — it’s important to understand what you’re paying, whether fees are refundable or negotiable, and whether they’re reasonable.
Here’s a look at common rental fees and the questions you may want to ask.
1. Application Fees
Application fees are common and typically cover background checks, credit reports, rental history and tenant screening. These fees are usually nonrefundable, so keep that in mind if you’re applying to multiple apartments. Before paying, ask whether you can receive a copy of any reports used by the landlord and whether the fee is refundable if the unit is no longer available. Tenant screening laws vary by state, so it’s also worth checking whether such fees are regulated where you live.
Ask this: “Before I submit the application fee, can you confirm exactly what it covers, whether it’s refundable if the unit is no longer available and whether you accept a recent tenant screening report?”
2. Administrative Fees
Administrative fees fall into more of a gray area, as they can be vaguely defined and not tied to a specific service. Landlords may say these fees cover lease processing, document preparation or holding the unit, but not all rentals charge them — especially if an application fee is already required. The National Consumer Law Center has referred to these as potential “junk fees.”
Ask this: “What specific service does the admin fee cover, and is any portion refundable if the lease is not completed?”
3. Amenity Fees
Amenity fees are typically tied to services such as a gym, pool, laundry room, lounge or business center. However, if you don’t plan to use those amenities, it’s worth asking whether the fee is optional.
Ask this: “Is the amenity fee optional or required? If an amenity is closed, unavailable or not maintained, is there a credit or fee reduction?”
4. Pet Fees
Pet charges can come in several forms, including a deposit, a nonrefundable fee or recurring pet rent. The National Consumer Law Center also classifies some pet-related charges as potential “junk fees.” It’s important to clarify whether normal wear and tear is excluded from damage charges and whether the deposit applies only to pet-related damage.
Ask this: “Can you break down the pet deposit, nonrefundable pet fee and monthly pet rent separately? Also, is any part negotiable based on the size, age or type of pet?”
5. Move-In Fees
Move-in fees typically cover practical costs associated with accessing your unit, such as keys, parking permits, elevator reservations or trash setup. While many of these fees are legitimate, in some cases, they can resemble hidden rent increases without clear value.
Ask this: “Can you send me a full move-in cost breakdown in writing, including deposits, fees, first month’s rent and any charges required before I receive keys?”
How To Push Back Without Losing the Apartment
While it’s important to question fees that don’t seem justified, avoid sounding confrontational. Instead, ask for clarity and be prepared to walk away if the costs don’t feel reasonable.
You might say, “I’m ready to move forward, but the total upfront cost is higher than expected. Is there any flexibility on the admin fee, amenity fee or move-in fee?” You can also ask whether a fee can be credited toward your first month’s rent if it can’t be waived.
Even if you accept every fee, the FTC recommends getting all charges in writing. And remember: When you build your budget, base rent is rarely the full cost of living in an apartment.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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