Move-in fees are one-time, upfront charges that landlords or managers require before you can take possession of an apartment. They are generally non-refundable, they are separate from the security deposit, and they typically vary by building and city.
Move-in fees often appear alongside other upfront expenses, including the first month's rent and pet fees. For budgeting purposes, it's best to factor them in from the very beginning of your apartment search.
A move-in fee is a payment you make to your landlord or property manager to offset the costs of getting your apartment ready for a new tenant. It's typically non-refundable and due before you move into the apartment.
Move-in fees are generally separate from your security deposit. A security deposit is usually held by the landlord and returned to you after you move out, minus any lawful deductions. A move-in fee is generally a one-time charge that the landlord keeps.
The exact purpose of a move-in fee varies by property and location. It may cover administrative processing, cleaning and preparation, key or fob access, or other costs associated with preparing the apartment for a new tenant.
The name can also vary. A landlord might call it a move-in fee, move-in charge, administrative move-in fee, community fee, lease administration fee, or another similar term. Don't assume two fees are interchangeable just because they sound similar. Ask what the charge covers, when it is due, and whether it is refundable before you pay it.
Move-in fees vary by building and city, and there isn't a reliable national range that applies to every rental. Some landlords charge a flat fee, while others calculate the fee as a portion of a month's rent.
Ask for the exact move-in fee before you apply or sign a lease. You should also ask whether the fee is separate from other upfront charges, such as an application fee, security deposit, pet fee, or first month's rent.
Example (illustrative figures, not a quote for any property or city): Imagine an apartment with $1,500 monthly rent that charges a $150 move-in fee. You would need to budget that $150 in addition to any other costs due at signing. If the apartment also requires a $1,500 security deposit and $1,500 in first month's rent, your upfront housing costs would total $3,150 before moving expenses or utilities.
A fee like this can make an apartment that looks affordable at first glance more expensive to move into. That's why it's important to compare the total move-in cost, including the advertised monthly rent.
Move-in fees generally cover the landlord's expenses for preparing an apartment for a new tenant. This can include administrative processing, cleaning and preparation, key or fob access, and other move-in services.
The specific charge depends on the property. Some buildings may use a move-in fee to cover administrative work or turnover costs. Others may charge separately for certain services or access items.
Move-in fees generally cover costs associated with getting the apartment ready for occupancy, but the exact rules depend on where you live. Some jurisdictions limit what landlords can include in a non-refundable move-in fee.
Not every cost you pay before getting the keys is a move-in fee. These charges serve different purposes, so make sure you understand what you're paying for.
Application fee: An application fee is charged when you apply for an apartment and generally helps cover tenant screening, such as credit or background checks. Learn more about the apartment application process.
Pet fee or pet deposit: A pet fee is generally a one-time, non-refundable charge for having a pet. A pet deposit is generally refundable and is held against potential pet-related damage. Learn more about pet fees, pet rent, and pet deposits.
First and last month's rent: These are rental payments. First month's rent pays for your initial rental period. If a landlord requires last month's rent upfront, that payment is generally intended to cover your final rental period under the lease.
Security deposit: A security deposit is money a landlord holds as financial protection against certain losses, such as unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear. It is generally refundable, minus lawful deductions. Read more about what a security deposit is and how it works.
Association dues: If you're renting a condo, townhouse, or home governed by a homeowners association, there may be association-related costs. Whether a renter is responsible for those costs depends on the lease and local requirements. Association dues are separate from move-in fees unless your lease says otherwise.
Amenity fees: An amenity fee may cover access to shared features or services such as a fitness center, pool, clubhouse, or other building amenities. These charges can be one-time or recurring and are separate from a move-in fee unless the lease specifically combines them. Learn more about amenity fees.
Administrative fees: An administrative fee can refer to a charge for application processing or other administrative work. The term isn't used consistently across rental properties, so ask exactly what the charge covers before paying it. Learn more about apartment administrative fees.
A move-in fee is generally non-refundable, while a security deposit is generally refundable if you meet the terms of your lease and don't owe money or cause damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Both are upfront costs, but they serve different purposes.
| Move-In Fee | Security Deposit | |
|---|---|---|
| Refundable? | Generally no | Generally yes, minus lawful deductions |
| Amount | Varies by building and location | Varies by property and local law |
| What it covers | Costs associated with preparing or administering a move-in | Potential unpaid rent, damage, or other lawful charges |
| When you pay | Usually before or at move-in | Usually before or at move-in |
| What happens at move-out? | Generally nothing; the fee has already been paid | Landlord generally returns it, minus lawful deductions |
For a broader comparison of upfront rental costs, see Apartment List's guide to first month's rent vs. security deposits vs. fees. For deposit rules in more depth, read what a security deposit is. If you want to reduce the deposit itself, see how to avoid paying a security deposit.
In most places, yes. A landlord can charge both a move-in fee and a security deposit because the two charges serve different purposes. A few cities and states limit the amount landlords can charge or restrict how non-refundable fees and security deposits can be combined.
Check your state and local laws before assuming a landlord can charge any combination of upfront fees and deposits. State-level deposit rules are covered in Apartment List's guide to what a security deposit is.
Seattle, Washington, is one example of a city that limits move-in charges. Under Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 7.24 (amended by Ordinance 125222), as described by the City of Seattle's move-in charges guidance, move-in fees are non-refundable and can only be charged for tenant screening or cleaning. Move-in fees generally can’t exceed 10% of the first month’s rent, though higher actual screening costs may be allowed. The security deposit and move-in fees combined cannot exceed one month's rent.
| Location | Rule | Source | Date checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, Washington | Move-in fees generally can’t exceed 10% of the first month’s rent, though higher actual screening costs may be allowed. The security deposit plus move-in fees cannot exceed one month's rent. | Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 7.24 and Seattle's renter move-in costs page | October 8, 2026 |
Seattle also lets qualifying renters pay certain move-in costs in installments. Seattle also gives qualifying renters the right to split certain move-in costs into installments without extra fees or interest. The payment schedule depends on your rental agreement and the charge. Check the city’s installment-payment guide for details. See the City of Seattle's move-in costs guidance for details.
These rules are specific to Seattle. Your state, county, or city may have different limits or no specific move-in fee rules at all, and this list is not exhaustive.
Move-in fees are generally non-refundable. That's one of the main differences between a move-in fee and a security deposit.
When you pay a move-in fee, the landlord generally keeps the money rather than holding it for return at the end of the lease. A security deposit, by contrast, is generally returned after you move out, minus any lawful deductions.
The exact treatment of a fee can depend on what the charge is for and where you live. Local laws may restrict which non-refundable fees a landlord can charge, how they must be disclosed, or whether a particular charge is considered a fee or a deposit.
Before paying, check your lease and ask:
Getting the answers in writing can help prevent confusion later.
Yes, there are instances where you can negotiate move-in fees. For example, if you're moving during a slow rental season or the property has been vacant for a while.
Sometimes negotiation depends on timing and leverage. If you have excellent rental history, offer to sign a longer lease, or agree to move in quickly, landlords may be more willing to reduce or waive the fee. While you might not always win the negotiation, it's worth asking before signing a lease.
You can also ask whether the landlord offers a move-in special that reduces or eliminates an upfront fee. If you're comparing multiple apartments, mention that you're weighing the total move-in cost along with the monthly rent.
If a landlord won't lower the fee, you can still ask whether another upfront cost can be reduced instead. Depending on local rules and the property's policies, a landlord may be willing to offer a concession on rent or another charge.
Whatever you negotiate, make sure the final terms are included in your lease or another written agreement.
Typical apartment fees include application fees, security deposits, pet charges, and amenity or administrative fees, in addition to any move-in fee. Here's a quick checklist of charges to ask about before signing a lease.
| Item | Typical amount | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| First month's rent | Varies | No; it pays for your first rental period |
| Security deposit | Varies | Generally yes, minus lawful deductions |
| Move-in fee | Varies | Generally no |
| Application fee | Varies | Usually no, depending on local law and the fee terms |
| Pet fee | Varies | Generally no |
| Pet deposit | Varies | Generally yes, subject to lawful deductions |
| Last month's rent | Varies | Generally no; it is applied to your final rental period |
| Amenity or building fees | Varies | Depends on the fee and lease |
| Utility setup or connection costs | Varies | Generally no |
Costs may also continue after move-in, such as monthly pet rent, parking, utilities, renters insurance, and recurring amenity charges. For a broader breakdown of expenses that affect your rental budget, see Apartment List's guide to hidden costs of renting. To see how move-in fees compare with deposits and first month's rent, see the guide to first month's rent vs. security deposits vs. fees.
Before signing a lease, ask the landlord or property manager for a complete list of everything you'll owe before and at move-in. Comparing that total across apartments gives you a clearer picture of what you can comfortably afford.
It varies by building and city. Some landlords charge a flat amount, and others charge a share of one month's rent. Ask for the exact figure in writing before you apply, and check whether your city caps the amount.
No. A move-in fee is generally a non-refundable charge associated with preparing or administering a move-in. A security deposit is generally refundable and is held as financial protection against certain losses, such as unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
No. An application fee is generally paid when you apply for an apartment and helps cover the cost of processing and screening your application. A move-in fee is generally charged after you've been approved and is associated with moving into the apartment.
No. First month's rent pays for your first rental period. A move-in fee is a separate one-time charge, and landlords usually collect both before you get the keys.
Sometimes. Slow rental seasons, long vacancies, a longer lease term, or a quick move-in date can give you leverage. Get any agreed reduction or waiver in writing.
Usually not. A move-in fee is generally a one-time charge associated with moving into a rental. However, landlords may charge other recurring fees during your tenancy, so review your lease carefully to see which charges continue after move-in.
Generally, a landlord cannot change the terms of a fixed-term lease without following the lease and applicable law. If a new fee appears after you've signed, review your lease to see whether the charge was disclosed and authorized. If you're unsure, ask the landlord to explain the fee in writing and check your state and local tenant protections.
It depends. There is no single rule governing move-in fees across every state and city. Some jurisdictions regulate security deposits and non-refundable fees, while others have fewer restrictions.
Check your state and local landlord-tenant laws before assuming a fee is legal. If your city or state has a housing department or tenant-protection agency, that can be a good place to start.
Renting comes with plenty of upfront costs: application fees, pet deposits, and yes, move-in fees. That's why sticking to your budget matters from the start.
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