When you want to rent an apartment, you need to consider all the costs involved in renting, including rent, utilities, parking, and even ‘admin fees’.
In this guide, we’ll learn what an admin fee is and how much it is.
Admin Fee – What is It?
In addition to your application/background check fee and deposit, an apartment complex may charge a one-time ‘admin fee’ or administrative fee.
This admin fee is a one-time fee and is usually between $150 to $300, owed after you are approved but before lease signing. However, it may be charged before approval.
Does the Admin Fee Get Credited to Your Rent?
No, this fee is usually not credited to your rent. It is always good to find out what the admin fee is before the application process so you’re not caught unaware later.
Are Admin fees for Apartments Refundable?
No, admin fees are usually not refundable.
Make sure you understand all the fees that are owed up front as well as once you move in.
Are Admin fees one-time or on-going?
Most admin fees for apartments are one-time (and not charged each month). Ask your building to confirm.
Why Do Apartment Complexes Charge Admin Fees?
Apartments charge admin fees for numerous reasons:
- It helps the landlord cover any expenses while your application is in process.
- It helps offset other costs the landlord incurs while trying to rent the apartment
Is an admin fee the same as an Amenity fee?
Not usually.
In addition to an admin fee, an apartment may also charge an amenity fee (which could be a one-time fee of say $500), or it could be recurring (in which case it’s usually about $50/month).
Is an admin fee the same as Security Deposit?
No, admin fees are not the same as a security deposit. A security deposit is money that belongs to tenant but held by landlord in case you cause damages or otherwise violate your lease.
Is an admin fee the same as Application Fee?
No, application fees are usually referring to the fees you pay for background/credit checks. Having said that, some people may use the terms interchangeably.
What fees do I owe?
The actual definitions of are not as important as understanding:
- what fees you owe upfront?
- what fees you owe on-going?
- what fees are refundable vs. not refundable?
What’s the summary?
Admin fees are one-time fees of $150-$300+ that have become the norm across many states, especially in newer construction apartment buildings. Find out what the cost is ahead of time so you’re not surprised during the application process.
It’s also worth noting that the lingo of ‘admin fees’ may mean different things in different parts of the country, so it’s best to confirm your understanding ahead of time. There may be also restrictions in some states.
Regardless of the lingo or exact terminology, be an informed consumer and understand what costs you owe upfront and what costs you owe on-going.
Clarify what fees are refundable and what fees are not.
