Everything You Need to Know About Move-In Fees

Whether you’re relocating to an apartment in Indianapolis, IN or searching for an apartment in Houston, TX, you may have to pay a move-in fee. Renter move-in fees are another upfront cost to consider when you’re looking for an apartment. A move-in fee is typically a non-refundable charge a tenant pays when moving into a new apartment. Landlords often use it to help cover basic maintenance projects like paint touch-ups, or upgrades like appliances. You may be wondering: Are move-in fees legal? How much do they cost? What is a move-in fee vs a security deposit? What other move-in costs should I expect when renting an apartment or house? For answers to these questions and more, keep reading. What is a move-in fee? A move-in fee is a charge a landlord collects when you move into an apartment, and it’s typically non-refundable. Landlords often use it for minor apartment maintenance tasks like replacing locks and touching up paint. Move-in fees are different from security deposits, so you may be charged for both when you move into a new apartment. Are move-in fees legal? In many places, yes. Rules on move-in fees vary by state and city, and some places limit them while others don’t. If a...