Moving into a new apartment is a costly proposition.

Not only do tenants need to take the time to search for a new apartment, but they will likely need to outlay funds for application fees, and all of the other costs associated with moving, including the cost of renting a vehicle or using an actual mover.

When the tenant finds a new apartment, they then learn about another significant up front cost to renting a new apartment.

If moving into an apartment in Chicago, the housing provider often requires a one-time nonrefundable move in fee, which can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars to an amount two or three times that – this, a matter of a housing provider’s discretion.



Outside of Chicago, tenants are often offered another choice – to pay a security deposit, which could range from one month’s rent, to possibly twice the rent (“first and last month’s rent). Of course, the advantage of a security deposit is that if the tenant returns the apartment in a clean and orderly condition, save ordinary wear and tear, and is paid up in full for rent, the tenant will receive back the deposit within 45 days of the end of the lease term.