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Home › Pay › Common problems › Apartment and rental fees
Fees and services

Apartment and rental fees

The rent in an apartment ad is often not the full monthly cost. Some listings add application fees, admin fees, amenity fees, trash or pest fees, and charges just for paying online. Asking for a full written list of costs before you apply can help you compare places fairly and avoid surprises after you move in.

Common problems to watch for

  • Advertising a low rent, then adding required monthly fees that are not in the ad
  • Charging application fees to many applicants for a unit that is already nearly taken
  • A 'convenience fee' for paying rent online or by card
  • Non-refundable 'move-in' or 'admin' fees on top of a security deposit
  • Mandatory package lockers, trash valet or tech packages added to the lease

Had one of these happen? Telling others what you were charged helps them avoid it.

Report it

Free and low-cost alternatives

Free copy of a tenant screening reportIf you are turned down because of a screening report, you have a right to a free copy if you ask within 60 days, and you can dispute errors.
Free weekly credit reportsCheck your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com before you apply, so you can fix errors first.
HUD-approved housing counselorsAgencies listed at hud.gov can help renters work out what rent they can afford. Ask the agency about any cost before you begin.
Local legal aid and tenant groupsMany areas have free legal aid offices or tenant groups that can explain local rules on fees and deposits.

Availability depends on your device and model. AblePro has no relationship with any company named here.

How companies charge more here: Drip pricing

What fair pricing looks like

A fair rental quote lists every required monthly charge up front so you can compare the true total. Paying a fee just to pay your rent online is worth questioning.

Before you pay

  • Ask for a written list of every required fee, one-time and monthly
  • Ask if the unit is still available before paying an application fee
  • Find out which fees are refundable and when
  • Ask how you can pay rent without a processing fee
  • Read the lease for automatic renewal and early move-out charges

How to cancel

  1. Read your lease for the notice period and how notice must be given, often in writing.
  2. Send your move-out notice in writing and keep a copy with the date.
  3. Ask in writing to remove optional add-ons like parking or storage you no longer use.
  4. Take dated photos at move-out and give a forwarding address for your deposit refund.

Step-by-step cancel guide for iPhone, Android and PayPal →

Common questions

Are application fees refundable?

It depends on the landlord and on your state and city rules. Many application fees are not refundable, so ask before paying whether the unit is still available and what the fee covers. Some places limit how much can be charged, so check your state or local housing office.

Can a landlord charge a fee for paying rent online?

Some do. Rules vary by state and city. Ask before signing whether there is a free way to pay, such as a bank transfer, check or money order. If the free option is in your lease, you can usually use it and skip the convenience fee.

What if I was denied because of a screening report?

The landlord should give you a notice naming the screening company. You can request a free copy of the report within 60 days and dispute anything that is wrong. The company generally must investigate your dispute, usually within 30 days.

General consumer information, not legal or financial advice. Reports reflect the experiences and opinions of their writers, not AblePro, Inc. We check reports against our posting rules but do not verify them.