🎓🐶 Gig ‘Em Guide to Costs & Fees to Lease a New Apartment After Graduation – For Texas Aggie New Grads !!
Howdy y’all! As a brand-new Texas Aggie grad stepping into “adulting mode” in a big city, I thought signing my first post-college apartment lease would just mean paying rent and calling it a day. Boy, was I wrong! 🤯 There are all these extra costs and fees that pop up before you even get your keys. I’m breaking it down Aggie-to-Aggie so you don’t get blindsided like I almost did.
💰 Upfront Costs You’ll Face
1. Application Fees
Usually $50–$100 per person.
Covers background and credit checks.
Non-refundable (yep, even if you don’t get approved).
2. Security Deposit (or Alternatives)
Traditional deposits range from $200 up to one full month’s rent.
Some places offer “deposit alternatives” (like paying a smaller fee instead of a big deposit), but those are non-refundable.
Remember: a deposit you might get back, but a fee you definitely won’t.
3. First Month’s Rent (sometimes Pro-Rated)
Most apartments require rent upfront before move-in.
If you move in mid-month, they may charge a “pro-rated” amount for just those days.
📋 Common Move-In Fees That Sneak Up On You
1. Admin Fee
Typically $100–$300.
Supposedly for “processing paperwork,” but really just part of the business. Non-refundable.
2. Parking Fee
Reserved parking or garages can cost $50–$200 per month.
Some complexes in cities don’t include parking at all—big surprise if you have a car!
3. Pet Fees
Non-refundable pet fee: usually $200–$400.
Monthly “pet rent”: $15–$50 per pet.
Sometimes there’s also a refundable pet deposit.
🔄 Monthly Add-Ons You Might Forget About
1. Trash Valet
$25–$40 per month.
You’ll pay it whether you use it or not, since it’s mandatory at many complexes.
2. Pest Control & Tech Packages
Some apartments tack on $5–$15/month for pest control.
“Tech fees” for bundled Wi-Fi, smart locks, or cable can run $50–$100.
3. Utilities Setup Fees
Electricity, water, gas, and internet all come with setup or transfer fees (usually $30–$100 per utility).
⚠️ The Hidden “Gotchas”
Key Fob Fees – lose one and it can cost $50–$100 to replace.
Early Termination Fees – breaking a lease can cost two months’ rent or more.
Renewal Rate Jumps – rents usually increase 5–10% each year, so plan ahead.
🎯 Aggie Grad Takeaway
If you’re budgeting for your first apartment after graduation, don’t just plan for rent. You’ll need to set aside at least $1,000–$2,000 upfront for all these extra fees.
The good news? Once you get past move-in, you’ll be more prepared and less stressed knowing exactly what’s coming. And as Aggies, we know preparation = confidence. 👍
👉 So, fellow Ags moving to Dallas, Houston, Austin, or beyond—what surprised you most about apartment costs after graduation? Drop a comment and share your “fee shock” story!
#AggieGrad #ApartmentHunting #Adulting #GigEm
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📲 Call or text me anytime: Grant – 214-492-9791