Find out exactly how much cash you need to sign a lease. Enter the rent and the landlord’s terms to see the deposit, every move-in fee, what you will get back and what you will not, plus an estimate of your refund at move-out.
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Know the full amount before you sign the lease.
Two apartments with the same rent can need very different cash up front.
Know what is refundable and plan for a full refund.
A security deposit and a pet deposit are held by the landlord and returned at the end of the tenancy, minus any lawful deductions. Fees such as application, broker, admin or non-refundable pet fees are gone once paid.
Take dated photos at move-in and move-out, keep copies of your lease and any inspection reports, and give your forwarding address in writing. These are the best ways to get your full deposit back.
Security deposit, pet deposit, key deposit.
First and last month’s rent.
Application, broker, admin and pet fees.
Commonly one to two months of rent. Many places cap it by law, for example at one or two months’ rent, so check your local rules and enter the limit to get a warning.
Usually the security deposit plus the first month’s rent, and sometimes last month’s rent, pet deposits, application fees, broker fees and admin fees.
No. Prepaid last month’s rent is used for your final month, not to cover damage. This calculator lists it separately from refundable deposits.
Typically unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning needed to return the unit to move-in condition. Normal wear and tear is usually not deductible.
Some cities and states require landlords to pay interest. If yours does, enter the rate to include it in the refund estimate.
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