So, you've got a furry friend moving in with you? Awesome! But brace yourself – your landlord is probably going to charge you some extra fees for all that cuteness. Let's break it down so you don’t end up barking up the wrong tree.

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Pet Rent – The Monthly "Fido Fee"

Think of pet rent as your pet’s own rent, except it’s you who has to pay. It’s a recurring monthly fee tacked onto your regular rent, just for the privilege of your little fluffball being there. And no, unlike the belly rubs you give your pet, this isn’t refundable. Pet rent is the landlord’s way of offsetting the cost of extra wear and tear (because your couch is now a scratching post). Just like your regular rent, this fee keeps showing up every month, so budget accordingly!
 

Pet Deposit – One-Time "Oops, My Bad" Money

A pet deposit is your insurance policy for those “oops” moments, like when your dog decides the carpet looks better chewed up. It’s a one-time, upfront fee that covers any damage your pet might cause during your lease. The good news? It’s refundable! At the end of your lease, if your pet didn’t throw any wild parties or leave too many "presents" on the carpet, you get this money back. Just keep the damage to “normal wear and tear” levels (easier said than done with a puppy, right?).
 

Deposits are your landlord's safety net for potential damages, unpaid rent, or that accidental hole you swore was already there. The holding deposit? It's your way of calling dibs on the apartment before someone else swoops in—just don’t back out, or you’ll lose it!

Holding Deposits – The “Don’t Let Anyone Else Get My Apartment” Fund

Found the perfect place and don’t want anyone else to snag it? That’s where the holding fee comes in. This is a one-time fee you pay to take the property off the market while you finalize everything. It’s kind of like putting the place on hold for you. The good news? This amount usually goes toward your first month’s rent or security deposit once you move in! However, if you back out, you might lose it, so make sure you’re committed.

Tip: Clarify how this fee will be applied—ask if it’s credited toward your rent or deposit, so you know where your money’s going.

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Security Deposit – The Big One

The security deposit is the umbrella deposit that covers everything – not just your pet’s antics, but your own too. Scratched floors? Broken appliances? Unpaid rent? The security deposit is your landlord’s safety net. It’s also refundable, assuming you didn’t accidentally turn the rental into a DIY demolition project. Keep the place in good shape, pay your rent, and this chunk of change should come back to you when you move out – minus anything that needs fixing, of course.

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Other fees, like admin fees and application fees, are the landlord’s way of charging you for paperwork you didn’t even know existed. Then there’s the move-in fee, a non-refundable “welcome” charge for cleaning up before you settle in!
 

Application Fees – The “Do You Qualify?” Charge

Before you sign a lease, there’s often an application fee. This is used to cover the cost of running background checks, credit reports, and other screenings to make sure you’re a good fit for the property. Like admin fees, this one’s also non-refundable, even if you don’t get the place. So, if you’re applying to multiple rentals, these fees can add up faster than you can say “approved!”

Tip: Some landlords may cap this fee by law. Check your local regulations to ensure you’re not overpaying!

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Move-In/Preparation Fees – The “Welcome to Your New Home” Costs

Sometimes landlords charge a move-in fee, also called a preparation fee. This covers the cost of cleaning or prepping the unit for you to move in—think freshly cleaned carpets and sparkling windows. Unlike your security deposit, this fee is typically non-refundable. It’s basically their way of saying, “Here’s your fresh start, and we’ll charge you for it.”

Tip: Always ask if this fee exists, and make sure it’s reasonable. You don’t want to be paying hundreds just because they sprayed some air freshener.

Admin Fees – The “Paperwork Shuffle” Cost

Admin fees are like paying for all the behind-the-scenes work your landlord or property management company does to process your application and lease. Think of it as their “service charge” for checking your background, credit, and paperwork. This fee is non-refundable, meaning you won’t get it back even if you decide not to move in (or they find a typo on your application!). It’s essentially the cost of doing business—AKA their excuse for all the paperwork involved.
 

Other Costs to Watch For

• Utility Setup Fees: Some properties charge for getting utilities like water and electricity ready for you. Make sure you know which utilities you’re responsible for.

• Parking Fees: Need a spot for your car? Parking may not be free, so check if you’ll be paying monthly for a space.

• Storage Fees: If you’re lucky enough to have extra storage, double-check if it’s included or if there’s an additional fee.

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Learn more about deposits by checking out our Deposits, Damages & Disputes page!