The real cost of moving in is not the first month's rent

The advertised rent is one line of a bill that arrives all at once. Expect, in varying combinations: a security deposit; first month's rent, sometimes last month's as well; an application fee per adult, which is not refundable; a pet deposit, a pet fee or monthly pet rent, which are three different things with three different fates; utility deposits where there is no service history; and a move-in fee or elevator reservation charge in a condominium. Then the association layer, which catches people out because it is not the landlord's. Many Florida condominiums and homeowners associations require an application from the tenant, charge a fee for it, run their own background check and interview, and take weeks to approve. Some also hold their own damage deposit. A lease signed before that approval is a lease that may not be able to start on the date it says. Utilities have to be connected in the tenant's name before move-in, and that can require a deposit of its own. Two things to establish in writing before signing. Which of the sums are refundable and which are fees, in plain words — a "pet fee" and a "pet deposit" do not behave the same at move-out. And what the total is, on one sheet, due when. Ask the landlord for the association's application requirements on day one. It is the single most common reason a move-in date slips, and the only one that is entirely predictable. This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change and every deal is different — check your own case with a licensed professional. Alberto Zaltzberg — Adonait · adonait.com