Renting Fees

Are there limits on application fees?
The size of the application fee in each state might be a little bit different. For example, in California the maximum that could be charged for an application fee is $37.57.

When can a landlord keep my application fee?
A landlord can keep the application fee when they process the application - run a credit check and check a applicant's references - which is the purpose of the application fee.

What is a "security deposit"?
A security deposit is a fee that is paid to the landlord as a form of insurance. The security deposit is meant to protect the landlord for any damages that the tenant may have caused and not repaired, or if the tenant abandons the unit without paying their rent, something like that.

What are some other monies that a landlord may ask for in addition to the rent?
The landlord, besides the first month's rent, can also ask for a security deposit; so beyond the application fee and the first month's rent, any money paid to the landlord is considered security deposit. It's normal practice for landlords to stipulate that tenants will have to pay last month's rent plus a security deposit, or they'll have to pay last month's rent plus a cleaning fee, plus a pet deposit, plus security deposit; but any money paid beyond the first month's rent is considered security deposit. It doesn't matter how they divide it up.

Is there a limit to how much landlords can charge for a security deposit?
Landlords are limited in the amount of security deposit they can charge. However, this may vary by states. For example, in California, landlords can only charge up to 2-months rent for an unfurnished apartment or dwelling, and for furnished apartments they can charge up to 3-months rent as a security deposit

Can my security deposit go to an interest bearing account?
Whether your security deposit can go into an interest-bearing account might be a regulation that varies by state, even by city. For example, in California, landlords aren't required to put the security deposit into an interest bearing account. However, for the city of Los Angeles, for example, landlords who have rent controlled properties must put the security deposit in an interest bearing account.

Can a landlord ask for an extra security deposit from people with children?
Landlords cannot ask additional security deposit from families with children because that could be seen as a form of discrimination because they have children, or because in a household there are more occupants.

What is the best method to pay my rent money?
The best method to pay rent is with a check. Tenants also have the option to pay with money order, if they wish, or cash. Probably any method of rent payment that the tenant has a receipt for is best.