When you move in to a new apartment,
landlord may charge you more than first month's rent. Before you sign lease, make sure you understand exactly what you're going to be charged, and get it in writing.Security Deposit: This is mini-landlord insurance. The deposit is equivalent to about one to two month's rent and can cover anything from a broken window to stained carpet. At end of your lease, landlord will conduct an inspection and see whether or not he or she needs to use any of money on anything damaged beyond normal “wear and tear” during your stay. State law may only use security deposit for three purposes: unpaid rent, damages and for cleaning stains or any excessively dirty area. The landlord cannot use it to repaint apartment to make it look more inviting for next tenants. (That's illegal).
Cleaning Fee: Since landlords cannot legally use your security deposit for basic cleaning purposes, some of them choose to include a cleaning fee in your lease.
Last Month of Rent: Some landlords ask for last month's rent in advance. This way, if you break your lease without first consulting your landlord, he or she has 30 days to find a new tenant before he or she needs another rent payment. If you're a good tenant, and don't break your lease, then you'll save yourself trouble of having to worry about getting together your last month of rent. (This can be really helpful when you have to deal with all costs of moving out!) Unlike security deposit, this charge is non-refundable.
Pet Deposit: This, too, is a form of mini-landlord insurance typically running somewhere around $300.00. The pet deposit is used to cover any wear and tear caused by your pets. Some landlords also ask for a 'pet fee' once a month ($20-$50) to cover cost and inconvenience of lovely pooper-scooping duties. Renter's Insurance: You aren't required to get insurance, but it is HIGHLY recommended. It's incredibly easy for an unusual character to walk through complex unnoticed. New people are in and out of apartments all time, so you don't have same security that a homeowner does. With that in mind, you ought to invest in Renter's Insurance as protection against theft, water damage and fire.
