Q: I'm 74 and plan to sell my house and rent an apartment for a few years. Friends say apartments charge application, administrative and move-in fees on top of the deposit. How common are these fees and how do I avoid surprises?

A: Nobody can tell you, and that is the story.

I looked for a national average and found none. No agency measures move-in fees, and the surveys that exist are partial. The National Low Income Housing Coalition's 2025 renter survey found nearly three-quarters of recent movers paid an application fee, with a median of $75. It did not measure move-in or administrative fees. It did find that deposits, application fees and move-in fees were a barrier for 19% of recent movers.

The comparison is useful. Among renters of property management companies, 77% reported at least one extra fee, such as convenience, amenity, or technology charges. Among renters who rent from individual owners, 41% did. If you are choosing between a corporate complex and a small landlord, that gap is worth knowing.

The advertised rent may also leave out mandatory monthly fees. A $24 million settlement with a major landlord in 2025 was about advertised rents that left those fees out. Ask for the true monthly total, including pet, parking and amenity charges.

Fees also hide behind different names. Application, administration, holding, reservation and move-in fees can all mean the same thing: money due before you get a key. Some are refundable, and most are not.

Regulators are watching, slowly. The Federal Trade Commission published a proposed rulemaking notice in March 2026 asking whether landlords should have to disclose total move-in cost. Comments closed in April. I found no proposed rule since, so for now disclosure depends on you asking.

Some cities act on their own. One large city caps move-in fees at 10% of the first month's rent and limits them to screening or cleaning. Check whether your own city or state has a similar rule.

Because you will have cash from your sale, these fees may feel small. Do not let them. Before you pay a single application fee:

No. 1: Ask for the total move-in cost in writing. That means first month's rent, deposit and every fee, itemized.

No. 2: Ask which charges are refundable and when.

No. 3: Ask whether any fee can be waived. The worst answer is no.

No. 4: Compare at least three buildings, including one owned by an individual.

No. 5: Keep every receipt and the signed lease.

No. 6: Photograph the unit and list existing damage in writing on move-in day, so a cleaning charge later has a record behind it.

If you plan a short stay, ask whether a shorter lease costs more and whether fees are charged again at renewal or when you switch units.

Do not assume that a fee you dislike is illegal. Many are legal if disclosed. If one is not disclosed, or the charge does not match your lease, start with your local housing agency or a community mediation service. Mediation is usually quicker and cheaper than a lawsuit, and many attorneys offer free consultations if it comes to that.

After years of owning, renting may seem cheaper. Expect real costs before you move in and ask about every one. Do not fall for expensive costs before move-in.

Richard Montgomery is a syndicated columnist, published author, retired real estate executive, serial entrepreneur and the founder of DearMonty.com and PropBox, Inc. He provides consumers with options to real estate issues. Follow him on Twitter (X) @montgomRM or DearMonty.com.

Photo credit: Roger Starnes Sr at Unsplash