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Posted by Blue Zephyr on November 10, 2001 at 19:54:05:

In Reply to: Re: Application Fee posted by mae on November 10, 2001 at 17:23:15:

Mae is correct that an application fee is ofte used to pay for a credit check or other costs of verifying the information on an application. However it is incorrect to "assume" that a larger fee automatically means the fee will be applied to a security deposit of the first month's rent. When in doubt - ask and get in in writing.

: NO, what it means is they have to process the paperwork pay for someones time, plus get a credit check on you so normally $25-$35 maybe even $50 is not refundable...since the landlord has expenses.

: But if they require a large amount say $150-250, then it is implied that you will use the fee as a down payment to rent the place if you are approved, and if you dont rent it you lose the fee. Of course if you are turned down you should get almost all of it back.

: Some landlords want to charge an application fee just for filling out the application. This does not mean that you are getting the apartment, however. Is this legal? If so, is the landlord required to return that fee if you are refused the apartment?

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Comments:
: Mae is correct that an application fee is ofte used to pay for a credit check or other costs of verifying the information on an application.  However it is incorrect to "assume" that a larger fee automatically means the fee will be applied to a security deposit of the first month's rent.  When in doubt - ask and get in in writing.

: 
: :    NO, what it means is they have to process the paperwork pay for someones time, plus get a credit check on you so normally $25-$35 maybe even $50 is not refundable...since the landlord has expenses.

: :   But if they require a large amount say $150-250, then it is implied that you will use the fee as a down payment to rent the place if you are approved, and if you dont rent it you lose the fee. Of course if you are turned down you should get almost all of it back.

: 
: :  Some landlords want to charge an application fee just for filling out the application.  This does not mean that you are getting the apartment, however.  Is this legal?  If so, is the landlord required to return that fee if you are refused the apartment?


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