What Move-In and Move-Out Fees Can Be Charged in NYC?

Moving is expensive, especially in NYC. It costs so much to move into a new place and it can even cost you money to move out of your current home. However, it’s important to know which of these move-in and move-out fees are legal. There are rules about what landlords can charge a tenant for and even rules about how much those fees can cost. If you suspect that someone is not following local laws and regulations, you’ll want to talk to a Manhattan landlord-tenant lawyer from our firm.

Which Move-In and Move-Out Fees Are Legal?

There are a few move-in fees and move-out fees that you can be asked to pay. Some common ones include:

Move-in fee: This is common in co-op and condo buildings. You could be charged between 20% and 50% of the rent to pay for things like repairs and changing the locks.

Elevator fee: You could be charged a small fee to use the elevator for a significant amount of time during your move-in and move-out days. Your move-in fee might include this.

Cleaning fees: These are common move-in and move-out fees that ensure that the apartment is nice and clean for you or the next tenant.

Security deposit: This covers the cost of any damage you do to your apartment. It should be returned to you when you leave.

Broker fee: You may have to pay the broker this fee after they have found you a place.

Application fee: This usually covers the cost of a credit check, background check, and administrative expenses.

Amenity fee: If your building has things like a gym or swimming pool, you may be charged a move-in fee that gives you access to these amenities.

Pet deposit: Some apartments allow pets but require a deposit to be paid when you move in.

Are There Limits to Some Move-In and Move-Out Fees?

Some of these move-in and move-out fees have limits. For example, a broker cannot charge more than $20 for an application fee and a security deposit cannot exceed the amount of one month’s rent. Some other fees, like broker’s fees, pet deposits, or general move-in fees, are less tightly regulated.

Can I Be Forced to Pay First and Last Month’s Rent Upfront?

If you can believe it, moving in NYC used to have the potential to be even more expensive. This is because landlords would often ask for the first month’s rent, a security deposit, and the last month’s rent. If an apartment costs $2,500 per month, that’s $7,500 you have to pay before you have even spent a day in your new place!

Fortunately, this practice is no longer allowed. You just have to give your landlord the first month’s rent and a legally allowable security deposit upon moving in.

Meet With Our Legal Team

If you think that you have been taken advantage of and that you were charged move-in or move-out fees that were not legal, you should talk to an attorney. Contact Robert Rosenblatt & Associates to schedule a consultation. We can tell you if you have a case and what the next steps are.