🏡 Typical Fees You’ll Pay at Your New Apartment (From a New Aggie Grad’s Perspective)
Howdy y’all — I just moved to Dallas after graduating from Texas A&M, and let me tell you, finding an apartment has been a crash course in adulting 101. Sure, the rent price is the big number everyone looks at, but what caught me by surprise were all the extra fees that start showing up once you sign a lease.
If you’re an Aggie moving to a new city, here’s the inside scoop on what you’ll likely run into so you can budget smarter and avoid those “where did my paycheck go?” moments.
1. 📑 Application & Admin Fees
Before you even get approved, most apartments will charge you an application fee ($50–$100) and sometimes an administrative fee ($100–$300). These are usually non-refundable. Basically, you’re paying for them to process your paperwork and run your background check.
👉 Pro Tip: Ask if they’ll waive these during move-in specials. Some places will if they’re trying to fill units quickly!
2. 💰 Security Deposit (or Surety Bond)
Most apartments require a security deposit (usually $200–$500). This is supposed to be refundable if you keep your place in good shape. Some complexes, instead, use a “bond program” where you pay a smaller non-refundable fee instead of a deposit. Sounds great upfront, but remember — you won’t get that money back.
3. 🐶 Pet Fees
Bringing Reveille’s little cousin with you? Be ready for pet deposits ($200–$400), pet rent ($20–$50/month), and sometimes even pet fees ($200–$300 non-refundable). Landlords love your dog almost as much as you do… because they make money off them!
4. 🚗 Parking Fees
If you want a covered spot or a garage, expect an extra $30–$150/month. Even regular parking at some complexes comes with a fee, especially in popular Dallas or Houston areas where space is tight.
5. 🌐 Trash, Pest, & “Community” Fees
This one blew my mind. Apartments love charging “valet trash fees” ($20–$40/month) where someone picks up your trash from your doorstep. Sounds convenient, but it’s basically mandatory.
Add in pest control ($5–$10/month) and community fees that cover things like pool access, gym use, or package lockers ($20–$50/month).
6. 📦 Utility Set-Up & Billing Fees
Your rent doesn’t cover everything! Expect charges for:
Water/sewer/trash billing (often bundled, $50–$100/month)
Electric (depends on usage, $60–$150/month)
Internet/cable packages (some complexes force you into their provider, $50–$100/month)
7. ⏱️ Late Fees
If you’re late, even by a day, most places charge 5–10% of your rent as a penalty. Set up autopay so you’re not donating money to your landlord unnecessarily.
🎓 Aggie Takeaway
When you’re comparing apartments, don’t just look at the rent — add in ALL these fees so you know your true monthly cost. A place that looks cheaper on paper might actually cost more after you factor in parking, trash valet, and pet rent.
Moving after graduation is exciting (Gig ‘em 🤘), but the real win is learning how to budget smart so you can enjoy your new city without stressing about hidden charges.
👉 Fellow Aggies, what fees surprised you the most when you got your first apartment after graduation? Drop them in the comments — let’s save some new grads from sticker shock!
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Aggies—find your perfect apartment in your new city for FREE with Howdy Apartments! We’ll guide you on the best areas, recommend the right places, and even set up your tours. 100% free and Aggie-focused.
👉 Sign up here: howdyapartments.com/start
📲 Call or text me anytime: Grant – 214-492-9791
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