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When you move in to a new apartment, the landlord may charge you more than the first months rent. Before you sign the lease, make sure you understand exactly what youre 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 months rent and can cover anything from a broken window to stained carpet. At the end of your lease, the landlord will conduct an inspection and see whether or not he or she needs to use any of the money on anything damaged beyond the normal wear and tear during your stay. State law may only use the security deposit for three purposes: unpaid rent, damages and for cleaning stains or any excessively dirty area. The landlord cannot use it to repaint the apartment to make it look more inviting for the next tenants. (Thats 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 the last months 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 youre a good tenant, and dont break your lease, then youll save yourself the 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 the costs of moving out!) Unlike the 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 the cost and inconvenience of the lovely pooper-scooping duties. Renters Insurance: You arent required to get insurance, but it is HIGHLY recommended. Its incredibly easy for an unusual character to walk through the complex unnoticed. New people are in and out of apartments all the time, so you dont have the same security that a homeowner does. With that in mind, you ought to invest in Renters Insurance as protection against theft, water damage and fire.Parking: You might not always catch that prime parking space, and depending on where your apartment complex is, this could mean parking on the street. If youre living in the arts district in Downtown Dallas, you might need to feed the parking meter monster or pay for a secured parking lot. Keep this in mind when you yearn for that artsy loft.Some states put a limit on the deposits a landlord can ask for. For example, in California the deposits cannot add up to more than two-months rent. Check out the landlord/tenant laws to get the scoop on your states restrictions.Regardless of how many of the deposits and fees the landlord asks you for, make sure these are all outlined in the lease. If they are not, make a list of all of the charges, when they were paid, then date it and have the landlord sign it with you. Keep one copy of this list and give one to your landlord to avoid any problems in the future.

About the Author

Since 1989 dan the roommate man has helped 1000s of people find rooms,apartments or roommates. Need help? Contact him at 800-487-8050 or www.rooommateexpress.com