Add the up-front rent, deposits and other charges still due for a move. Choose full or prorated first-month rent, enter confirmed amounts in USD, and avoid counting fees already paid.
Move-In Cost Formula
This estimate sums the entered rent, deposits and other charges still due before you get the keys. It does not determine whether a charge is permitted:
Move-In Cost = FM + LM + SD + BF + PF + AF + O
Variables:
- FM is the first month’s rent (prorated if you move in mid-month)
- LM is the last month’s rent, if the landlord collects it up front
- SD is the security deposit
- BF is the broker or finder fee
- PF is pet-related charges (pet deposit plus first pet rent)
- AF is administrative charges (application fee plus any move-in or admin fee)
- O is other one-time charges plus other deposits; enter a refundable key deposit under Other deposits
When the lease uses calendar-day proration, enter days in month (28–31) and days occupied (0 through the month length). The calculator uses:
Prorated Rent = (Monthly Rent / Days in Month) * Days Occupied
The calculator separates deposits entered from rent and other charges. Deposit return depends on the lease, permitted deductions and local rules; prepaid last-month rent is rent credit. Calculated charges round half-up to cents individually before summing; actual invoice rounding may differ.
Move-In Cost Components
Charges and permitted amounts depend on the location and lease. The table lists input bases, not market rates, legal limits or recommendations.
| Charge | Input basis | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|
| First month’s rent | Full month or entered proration | No |
| Last month’s rent | None or one month paid ahead | Applied to rent |
| Security deposit | Confirmed amount or months of rent | Usually yes |
| Broker / finder fee | Confirmed amount, months or annual percentage | No |
| Pet deposit / pet rent | Enter each confirmed amount | Deposit often yes |
| Application fee | Enter total still due | No |
| Admin / move-in fee | Enter total still due | No |
Use the itemized amounts for the actual rental rather than assuming a universal multiple of monthly rent.
Example Problems
Example 1: A standard move-in with first month, deposit, and last month.
In an illustrative lease where these charges are permitted and still due, rent is $1,800 and first month, last month and a one-month security deposit total $5,400. Deposits included are $1,800; their eventual return is not guaranteed.
Example 2: A mid-month move-in with a broker fee.
For an illustrative permitted set of charges, rent is $2,400 and the lease uses 12 occupied days in a 30-day month: first month is $960. A one-month security deposit and a one-month broker fee add $2,400 each, for $5,760 total. Enter a broker fee only when it is actually owed and permitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need to move into an apartment?
Add the confirmed charges still due under the actual lease, then budget separately for moving or utility costs not entered here. First month, last month and deposits are separate amounts; their permitted treatment varies by location.
Is the security deposit part of my move-in cost?
A security deposit still due is part of up-front cash. This calculator labels deposits separately from rent and other charges; it does not promise a refund or classify every other charge as non-refundable. Enter other refundable deposits in Other deposits.
Can a landlord charge first month, last month, and a deposit all at once?
The answer depends on the location, rental and lease. Check the applicable housing authority before assuming a deposit or fee is allowed. For example, New York City’s FARE Act restricts passing a landlord’s broker fee to a tenant. The calculator performs arithmetic only and does not enforce jurisdiction-specific rules.
