Renting an apartment usually requires both upfront move-in costs and recurring monthly expenses. Most renters pay a rental application fee, security deposit, first month’s rent, and sometimes last month’s rent before receiving keys. After move-in, renters typically cover monthly rent, utilities, internet, renter’s insurance, parking, and other recurring expenses depending on the lease agreement.
Knowing exactly what to expect helps renters budget accurately and avoid financial surprises on move-in day.
Initial Costs You’ll Need to Cover Before Moving In
What do you have to pay before moving into an apartment? Prospective tenants must clear multiple upfront costs when renting, including screening fees, security deposits, and advanced rent payments, before receiving property keys.
Total move-in budget include:
- Application fees (Non-refundable screening)
- Administrative fees (if charged separately)
- Security deposit or move-in fee (Damage mitigation)
- First and last month's rent (Advance payment)
- Pet deposits/fees (If applicable)
- Moving costs
Application and Administrative Fees
Rental application fees cover tenant screening report processing costs, including the background check fee, credit check fee, income verification, and credit report review. Property managers use these reports to evaluate eviction history, employment status, gross monthly income, and overall applicant risk before approving a lease agreement.
According to data from the National Apartment Association and state housing agencies, most application fees range from $25 to $75 per applicant, although costs vary by market and screening provider.
Many apartment communities also charge a separate administrative fee. Unlike a rental application fee, an administrative fee usually covers internal leasing and onboarding costs such as document preparation, account setup, or lease processing. Administrative fees are commonly non-refundable and may range from $100 to several hundred dollars depending on the property.
Are apartment application fees refundable? In most cases, no. Apartment application fees are generally non-refundable because landlords pay third-party screening companies as soon as the application is submitted. Background checks, tenant screening reports, and credit report pulls create immediate processing costs for the property manager.
However, local laws may limit how much landlords can charge. Some states and cities cap rental application fees or require landlords to charge only the actual cost of tenant screening reports and background checks. In some jurisdictions, landlords may also need to refund unused portions of the fee if no screening report was processed.
Before submitting payment, renters should ask:
- What the rental application fee covers
- Whether the fee includes a separate administrative fee
- If the landlord charges additional credit check or background check fees
- Whether any portion of the fee is refundable
Confirming these details early can help renters avoid unnecessary apartment move-in costs and unexpected upfront fees.
Security Deposit
A security deposit apartment requirement acts as financial protection for landlords against unpaid rent, property damage, or lease violations during the lease term. Most landlords require a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, although legal limits vary by state.
Common examples include:
Some states regulate both the amount landlords can collect and how deposits must be stored. For example, New York State Law (GOL § 7-108) limits residential security deposits to one month’s rent. Certain states also require landlords to keep deposits in separate or escrow-style accounts, but those rules are not universal nationwide.
A refundable deposit usually returns to the tenant after move-out if the apartment remains in good condition beyond normal wear and tear.
Landlords may legally deduct money for:
- Unpaid rent
- Excessive property damage
- Cleaning beyond ordinary use
- Broken lease obligations
State laws regulate security deposit handling, return timelines, and deduction notices. For example, many states require landlords to return deposits within 14 to 30 days after move-out.
What is the difference between a security deposit and a move-in fee? A security deposit is usually refundable at the end of the lease term, minus lawful deductions for damages or unpaid rent. A move-in fee, by contrast, is generally a non-refundable fee used to cover administrative costs, building preparation, or moving-related wear and tear.
Some apartment buildings charge move-in fees instead of traditional refundable deposits, especially in large urban markets. Move-in fees often range from 30% to 50% of one month’s rent, although costs vary by property and location.
Understanding the difference between a refundable deposit and a non-refundable fee helps renters build a more accurate move-in budget before signing a lease agreement.
First and Last Month's Rent
Many landlords require both first month’s rent and last month’s rent before a tenant can move into an apartment. These upfront payments help secure the lease agreement and reduce financial risk for the property owner during the lease term.
Do apartments require first and last month’s rent? In many competitive rental markets, yes. Large metropolitan areas and high-demand properties often require both payments up front, especially for applicants with limited rental history or lower credit scores. However, some landlords only require first month’s rent and a security deposit instead of collecting last month’s rent.
Do tenants pay rent before or after moving in? In most cases, rent is paid before move-in. Property managers typically require cleared funds before handing over keys on the official move-in date.
If the move-in date falls in the middle of the month, landlords often use a prorated rent calculation instead of charging a full month’s rent. Prorated rent allows tenants to pay only for the days occupied during the first partial month.
Prorated rent calculations usually follow this formula:
Example of prorated rent calculation:
In this example, the tenant pays only for the remaining 16 days of June instead of the full monthly rent amount.
Understanding how prorated rent works can help renters estimate apartment move-in costs more accurately before signing a lease agreement.
Pet Fees or Deposit
Pet owners face distinct financial requirements designed to address potential wear, tear, or odor issues caused by domestic animals.
Common pet charges include:
Landlords usually separate pet costs into three categories: refundable pet deposits, non-refundable pet fees, and recurring monthly pet rent.
- Pet deposit: A refundable deposit held to cover pet-related damage beyond normal wear and tear.
- Pet fee: A one-time non-refundable fee charged at move-in for cleaning or administrative costs.
- Pet rent: A recurring monthly surcharge added to the base rent for each approved pet.
Some states restrict certain non-refundable pet charges. In addition, assistance animals — including qualified service animals and emotional support animals — are generally not treated as pets under the Fair Housing Act. Landlords typically cannot charge pet rent, pet deposits, or pet fees for approved assistance animals, although tenants may still be responsible for damage caused by the animal.
Renters should always negotiate pet fees when possible. A well-documented pet resume (vet records, training certificates, reference from previous landlord) can sometimes reduce or waive pet fees — especially for small or low-shedding breeds.
Moving Costs
Moving costs are often overlooked in a move-in budget, but they represent a real expense. Professional moving companies typically charge:
- Local moves: $800–$2,500 depending on home size and distance
- Long-distance moves: $2,000–$10,000+ depending on mileage and weight
Renters moving without professional help still face costs: truck rentals run $20–$200/day plus mileage, and supplies (boxes, tape, packing materials) add another $50–$200.
Some apartment buildings in urban markets also charge elevator reservation fees or move-in fees separate from the security deposit — a cost covered in more detail in a later section.
Ongoing Monthly Expenses for Renters
What bills do renters usually pay? Apart from baseline rent, renters are responsible for utilities, insurance premiums, communication services, and trash removal fees every single calendar month. These recurring expenses dictate the long-term affordability of a residential space.
Base Rent
Base rent represents the primary monthly payment required under the lease agreement. The rent due date usually falls on the first day of each month. Many leases also include:
- Grace period provisions
- Late fee policies
- Online payment charges
- Returned payment penalties
Example:
Example:
- Gross monthly income: $6,000
- Recommended maximum rent: $1,800
Keeping housing costs near this range may help renters manage savings, debt payments, transportation, and other recurring expenses more comfortably.
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas)
What utilities do tenants pay? Tenants generally pay for electricity, natural gas, heating, and cooling services directly to local utility providers.
Do renters pay for water and trash? Sometimes. Some landlords include water, sewer, and trash removal in the base rent, while others bill tenants separately based on usage or building allocation methods.
Typical monthly utility estimates:
Utility bills fluctuate dynamically based on seasonal weather changes, insulation quality, and personal consumption habits. Reviewing the average utilities cost for an apartment helps prospective residents project real-world maintenance costs. Understanding what utilities are included in rent prevents unexpected utility balance surprises during the first winter or summer billing cycles.
Internet/Cable
Internet and cable are usually separate monthly bills that renters manage directly with internet service providers, not the landlord. Most internet plans cost between $50 and $100 per month, depending on speed, equipment rental, and location.
Recurring internet costs may also include:
- Equipment rental fees for modems or routers
- Installation charges
- Data overage fees
- Cable television add-ons
Some apartment communities include internet in the monthly rent or amenity fee, while others only allow approved providers through exclusive building agreements.
Before move-in, renters should confirm:
- Whether internet is included in rent
- Available internet providers
- Installation or equipment fees
- Cable and wiring restrictions inside the apartment
Some buildings may charge repair fees for unauthorized wall drilling or cable installation.
Renter’s Insurance
Is renter's insurance required? Renter's insurance is not always legally required by state law, but many landlords require proof of coverage as a lease condition.
A standard renter's insurance policy costs $15–$30/month (approximately $150–$300/year) and typically covers:
- Personal property damage (fire, theft, vandalism)
- Liability protection if a guest is injured
- Additional living expenses if the unit becomes uninhabitable
A renter’s insurance premium often costs far less than replacing electronics, furniture, or clothing after a major loss.
Parking Fees
In urban areas, parking is often a separate monthly expense — not included in base rent. Apartment parking fees vary widely:
- Urban garages/lots: $100–$300/month in cities like Chicago, Boston, or Seattle
- Suburban surface lots: $25–$75/month
- Dedicated covered spot: $50–$150/month in suburban markets
Some buildings include one parking spot per unit; additional spots cost extra. Renters who own vehicles should confirm parking availability and pricing before signing the lease, as this is a recurring cost that compounds significantly over a 12-month lease term.
Trash and Pest Control
Trash collection and pest control are often landlord-covered expenses — but not always. Some landlords include these services in rent, while others charge separate monthly fees. Trash collection fees commonly range from $10 to $30 per month.
In certain apartment communities, trash or utility charges may be billed through RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System), where shared utility expenses are divided among tenants based on occupancy, unit size, or similar calculations instead of individual metering.
Pest control is generally considered a landlord's responsibility under most state habitability laws, but some leases attempt to shift this cost to tenants. Renters should confirm who pays for pest control before signing — and review state law to understand tenant protections.
Hidden Costs You May Not Expect
Beyond the standard upfront and monthly costs, some apartment fees only become visible after signing the lease or moving in. These hidden costs of renting an apartment catch many first-time renters off guard.
Amenity Fees
An amenity fee grants residents legal access to communal luxury spaces such as fitness centers, swimming pools, rooftops, and business lounges. Property management firms implement these charges to offset the steep maintenance costs of luxury equipment and common space upkeep. Some properties assess this fee as a one-time annual charge, while others divide it into monthly payments.
Amenity fees range from $200 to $500 annually, regardless of how often a resident utilizes the facilities. Tenants cannot typically opt out of amenity fees, as landlords apply them uniformly across all occupied units.
Elevator Reservation Fees
High-rise apartment buildings often charge elevator reservation fees during move-in and move-out periods.
Typical charges include:
- Refundable elevator deposit
- Reservation fee
- Weekend moving surcharge
- Damage protection fee
Fees generally range from $100 to $500 depending on building policies. Large cities such as New York, Chicago, and Miami commonly enforce strict moving reservation procedures in luxury buildings.
Storage Units
Storage fees apply when apartments lack adequate closet or garage space.
Apartment communities may rent:
- Basement storage cages
- Climate-controlled lockers
- Garage storage units
- Bicycle storage areas
Typical storage costs range from $25 to $200 monthly depending on size and location.
Storage expenses become especially important in smaller urban apartments.
How to Budget for Renting an Apartment?
Understanding all the individual costs is only half the work. The other half is putting those numbers into a realistic move-in budget and sustainable monthly financial plan.
Estimating Total Monthly Costs
To estimate true monthly apartment expenses, renters should combine base rent with utilities, renter’s insurance, parking fees, internet, pet rent, and other recurring costs. Property managers often review gross monthly income during tenant screening to confirm the apartment fits the applicant’s income-to-rent ratio.
Example monthly apartment budget:
In this example, the actual monthly cost of renting is about 25% higher than the advertised base rent. Renters should also prepare for apartment move-in costs before receiving keys.
For upfront move-in costs on this same unit (assuming $1,400/month rent):
That's nearly $6,000 needed before moving into a $1,400/month apartment. First-time renters, in particular, should start saving well in advance.
Before signing a lease agreement, renters should create a complete move-in checklist and asking clear questions before signing a lease ensures no hidden fees surface after the contract becomes legally binding.
Rent Should Be No More Than 30% of Your Income
The 30 percent rent rule is one of the most common guidelines used to measure rent affordability. Financial experts generally recommend spending no more than 30% of gross monthly income on housing costs.
Example affordability estimates:
The guideline helps renters balance housing costs against:
- Food
- Transportation
- Healthcare
- Savings
- Debt payments
- Emergency expenses
Most landlords independently require that applicants earn at least 2.5x to 3x the monthly rent in gross monthly income to qualify. Income verification at application time typically involves pay stubs, bank statements, or a letter of employment.
The 30% rule is a useful starting point, but not every renter can realistically stay below that threshold. In high-cost cities, many tenants spend closer to 35% to 40% of monthly income on rent due to limited housing supply and rising apartment rental costs.
Conclusion
What do you pay when renting an apartment? Most renters pay upfront move-in costs like first month’s rent, security deposits, rental application fees, and pet deposits before moving in. Monthly apartment expenses then include rent, utilities, internet, renter’s insurance, parking, and other recurring fees throughout the lease term.
A detailed move-in budget helps tenants avoid hidden costs and estimate the real cost to rent an apartment more accurately. LeaseRunner offers additional resources that help renters understand lease agreements, apartment fees, and tenant responsibilities before signing a rental contract.
FAQs
1. What security deposit is required when renting an apartment?
Most landlords require a security deposit equal to one month’s rent, although state laws and local markets may allow higher or lower amounts. Security deposits are usually refundable if the tenant follows lease terms and avoids excessive property damage.
2. What utilities are usually included in rent?
Landlords frequently include water, sewer, and communal trash removal services within the baseline monthly rent price. However, tenants remain responsible for individual electricity, natural gas, internet connections, and cooling costs in a vast majority of modern lease agreements. Residents must carefully check the utility section of the lease agreement to confirm exact boundaries.
3. Can I negotiate pet fees with my landlord?
Yes, tenants can negotiate pet fees by providing a comprehensive pet resume that includes up-to-date veterinary records, obedience training certificates, and references from prior landlords. Demonstrating that an animal is quiet, well-behaved, and fully vaccinated can convince private property owners to waive non-refundable upfront pet fees or lower monthly pet rent.
4. How do I reduce upfront renting costs?
Renters can reduce upfront costs by searching for move-in specials, choosing apartments without last month’s rent requirements, using roommate arrangements, negotiating deposits, or moving during lower-demand seasons. Careful apartment comparisons also help reduce unnecessary fees and recurring expenses.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, accounting, or tax advice. For guidance specific to your situation, we recommend consulting with a qualified professional in the relevant field before taking any action based on the content provided.
