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Deposits & Fees

What you'll actually pay upfront — security deposits, application and admin fees, and which charges are refundable versus gone for good.

Deposits & Fees

DC Tenant Rights for GW Students: Deposits, Rent Increases and What a Foggy Bottom Landlord Can't Charge

Under DC tenant rights law, a Foggy Bottom landlord can charge GW students $54 to apply, one month's rent as a deposit, and a late fee of 5% once rent is five days overdue. Rent-controlled units can rise 4.1% at most through April 30, 2027.

October 4, 2026read more →
Deposits & Fees

Minneapolis Caps Security Deposits: What University of Minnesota Students Should Know Before Signing

Minneapolis security deposit rules cap what a landlord can charge students at one month's rent. If the landlord also requires first or last month's rent up front, the deposit drops to half a month and has to be payable over three months.

October 2, 2026read more →
Deposits & Fees

8 Hidden Fees in Student Apartment Leases and How to Spot Them Before You Sign

The eight hidden fees in student apartment leases that catch people most often are application fees, admin fees, amenity fees, utility packages and overage bills, valet trash, renters insurance waivers, mandatory parking, and payment or notice fees. Together they can push your real monthly cost $100 to $300 above the listed rent.

September 27, 2026read more →
Deposits & Fees

First and Last Month's Rent: What You Actually Pay to Move In

First and last month's rent plus a deposit can total three times your monthly rent at signing. Here's what each payment covers, the state caps, and how to protect your money.

July 4, 2026read more →
Deposits & Fees

How to Get Your Security Deposit Back as a Student Renter

Get your full deposit back by documenting the unit at move-in and move-out, cleaning thoroughly, giving proper notice, and knowing your state's return deadline. Landlords can only deduct for damage, not normal wear.

July 3, 2026read more →
Deposits & Fees

What Is a Security Deposit? A Student Renter's Guide to Getting It Back

A security deposit is money you hand your landlord before move-in — usually one to one-and-a-half months' rent — that sits as collateral against unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear. You get it back after move-out, minus any legitimate deductions, within a window your state sets.

June 12, 2026read more →
Deposits & Fees

How Find My Place Shows Every Fee a Property Charges

The headline rent is rarely the real rent. Find My Place shows every mandatory fee on every listing, upfront — so your students know the true monthly cost before they tour or sign.

June 5, 2026read more →
Deposits & Fees

How to Transfer Your Student Apartment Lease in 5 Steps (Without Losing Your Deposit)

March 30, 2026read more →
Deposits & Fees

Which Student Housing Platforms Show the Full Price? 4 Sites with Transparent Fees

March 19, 2026read more →
Deposits & Fees

Cheap Eats and Coffee Spots Every Bushnell Student Should Know in Eugene

March 6, 2026read more →
Deposits & Fees

How to Get Your Security Deposit Back When Moving Out Near Chico State

February 25, 2026read more →
Deposits & Fees

How to Read Boulder Apartment Listings Like a Pro: Decode Rent, Fees, and Hidden Terms

February 18, 2026read more →