Move-In Costs: Everything You Need to Know

You’ve found your dream apartment, but when it’s time to sign on the dotted line, you’re hit with unexpected move-in costs. Before you panic, it’s important to know that these fees are legitimate and your future landlord or property management company can use them at their discretion. 

Before hiring a local moving service to handle your move into your new rental home, learn more about move-in costs, including how much you can expect to spend, the uses, and more.

What Are Move-In Costs?

Move-in costs are fees that landlords or property management companies impose on new tenants before they move into an apartment or rental house. These extra costs are typically not as heavily regulated as other fees, such as security deposits, so landlords have more authority over how much to charge or what terms to include. In most cases, these extra fees allow landlords to prepare the rental property for new occupants, either through cosmetic changes or upgrades. 

What Do Move-In Costs Cover? 

Your move-in costs will typically cover minor updates or upgrades to the space, such as paint touch-ups, new locks or key fobs, or repairs to any damage left from prior occupants. Don’t expect these fees to cover any major upgrades, such as new appliances or hardwood floors, however they do help ensure the home you’re moving into is in good condition before your moving truck shows up. 

How Much Are Move-In Costs?

How much you spend on move-in costs will largely depend on the cost of your rent, since move-in costs are usually a percentage of that monthly expense. Move-in costs can be anywhere from 20% to 50% of your monthly rent, or about $150 to $500, depending on your rent rate. Although not as pricey as move-out cleaning costs, move-in costs still aren’t inexpensive. 

Here’s example of how the costs could breakdown: 

• Monthly rent: $900 

• Fee percentage: 20% to 50% 

Potential move-in fee costs: 

• Low end: $180 

• High end: $450

Are Move-in Costs the Same As Security Deposits? 

No, move-in costs are not the same as security deposits. As opposed to security deposits, which are more heavily regulated, move-in costs are implemented at the discretion of your landlord or property management company and are not refundable. 

Security deposits are a typical rental fee that property owners are required to keep in an interest-bearing account. When a tenant moves out, the security deposit covers the cost of any necessary repairs, and landlords must provide receipts for those expenses. State laws limit what landlords can use the security deposit funds for, but move-in costs are not as strictly regulated. 

Are Move-in Costs Refundable? 

Unlike security deposits, move-in costs are not refundable. Instead, you’ll pay them upfront before you move in and landlords don’t have to provide information about what it’s paying for. In some instances, you may be able to negotiate your move-in costs, especially if you have proof that other properties in your area charge less for move-in fees. 

Can You Negotiate a Move-in Fee?

In some cases, it’s possible to negotiate a move-in fee, but it depends on the supply and demand of your local rental market. If there are many interested renters for a property, it’s unlikely that the landlord will lower or negotiate the move-in fee. If you’re working with a property manager or a leasing company, they are less likely to have any wiggle room with move-in fees than a private landlord.

Additional Move-In Costs

Consider these potential additional expenses with your move-in cost.

Security Deposits

Security deposits are upfront payments required by landlords or property managers to cover potential damages or unpaid rent. Security deposits are refundable at the end of the lease term if the property is left in great condition. Most landlords will require either a move-in fee or a security deposit, but not both.

Pet Deposits

Pet-friendly rentals may come with a pet-deposit fee, which ranges between $100 and $400. These are usually non-refundable costs. Consult your landlord or property management service about fees for multiple or large pets.   

Setting Up Utilities

When moving into a new property, you may need to pay fees to set up essential utilities like electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services. These costs can vary depending on the providers and the property's location. Be sure to determine the utility start dates before hiring local movers for your move-in date.

Melissa Graham contributed to this article.