When looking for a new Dallas apartment, one of the most important things to consider is cost. What will rent be? What type of deposit will I need? How much will utilities cost? How much apartment can I afford? These are all valid factors to consider. What many renters neglect to include in their calculations, however, are all those hidden costs associated with moving. To prevent any unpleasant and financially damaging surprises, here are a few extras you may want to prepare for.
Application Fees
Many landlords charge applicants a fee, which is designed to do two things: cover the cost of a credit check and background check, and weed out applicants who are shady or aren’t really serious about renting. Most of these fees are nominal, ranging from around $20 to $50, but they’re typically non-refundable, so be sure to factor this into your budget – especially if you’re planning on applying with multiple properties.
Moving Costs
Unless you plan on schlepping all of your stuff to your new place on your own, you’ll also want to factor the cost of professional movers into your apartment budget. Prices of moving companies vary and depend on a lot of things, such as distance and amount of property. You may pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars to well into the thousands. Even if you decide to go the DIY route, you’ll probably end up paying a couple of friends to help you, whether with cash or springing for food and drinks, so keep this in mind.
Utility Deposits
Many utility companies require customers to pay a deposit or down payment in order to activate services. These deposits typically range from $100 to $300. If you’ve already paid the fee and will just be switching service from your old place to your new, you’re probably all set, but you might want to double check just to be sure. You don’t want to end up sitting in the dark because you’ve used up all your extra cash and can’t cover the unexpected activation fee.
Renters Insurance
Not only is renters insurance something that’s strongly recommended for apartment dwellers, but there’s a good chance it’s something your new landlord or property manager will require. This insurance protects your belongings and limits your liability in the event of an emergency. The cost of insurance can vary greatly, depending on how much coverage you’re looking for. Figure anywhere from $10 for the bare minimum to a few hundred dollars a month for more comprehensive coverage.
Facilities Fees
Another added expense found in many Dallas apartments is an access fee to use the onsite facilities. Not all, but some apartments assess an additional monthly fee to use things like the fitness center, pool, laundry facility, etc. You may be able to negotiate this a bit, but it’s something you should at least inquire about so that you don’t end up disappointed after the fact.
When determining how much moving into your new Dallas apartment is going to cost, these five things – along with the basics of security deposit and first month’s rent – should all be factored in. By planning ahead, you’ll be able to manage your budget more effectively and avoid any unexpected costs you can’t afford.
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