Buffalo Business Daily

What is an administrative fee when moving into an apartment?

I am moving in a couple of months and some of the places I am considering charge an 'administrative fee'. It is separate from the initial deposit, application fee, and pet deposit. What is this fee covering? Thanks!

Public Comments

1. That is to pay for your background check, credit check, previous rental history check. Basically it takes time to do that stuff and they aren't going to do it out of the goodness of their heart if they don't think you are serious.
2. It is a waste of your money. It is just a way for them to keep the rent lower to attract new tenants.... then make up the "loss" with fees. You have 2 choices. Either pay the fee and consider it part of the rent (if you like the complex in all other ways) or .... tell them you will only rent the apartment if they waive the fee.