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Cost of LivingWarning

The true cost of my 'affordable' $1,650/month apartment is actually $2,190/month

TrueRentCalculatorUptownyesterday

The advertised rent was $1,650/month. I want to show you what the actual rent is.

Base rent: $1,650. That's the number on the listing. Everything below this is mandatory. You cannot opt out.

Parking: $125. The building has a garage. You cannot not park in the garage. If you don't have a car, you still pay because the fee is described as a "facility maintenance assessment" not a parking fee in the actual billing.

Pet rent: $75. I have a cat. That part's fair.

Trash valet: $30. Someone picks up a bag from outside your door three nights a week. Mandatory. You cannot use the dumpster without paying the valet fee.

Package concierge: $20. Luxer lockers in the lobby. Mandatory even if you receive packages at work.

Water/sewer/trash utility administration fee: $9.50. This is a fee for billing you for utilities. Not the utilities themselves. A fee to process the bill.

Renters insurance through their approved vendor: $45. The lease requires renters insurance, which is reasonable. It also requires you use their vendor. I found equivalent coverage on Lemonade for $11/month. I was not permitted to use it.

Monthly HVAC filter delivery: $18. A filter gets mailed to my door monthly. I am required to install it. I cannot opt out or buy my own filter.

Technology fee (package lockers, smart home app): $18. This is separate from the package concierge fee.

Total before I pay a personal electricity bill: $1,990.50/month. The advertised rent was $1,650.

3,421 upvotes5 replies

Replies (5)

FeeAuditCLTyesterday

The renters insurance through their vendor one is the most egregious because you can absolutely find cheaper coverage. Lemonade starts at $5/month. Their vendor at $45 is an 800% markup and it's pure revenue.

2876
ApartmentFeeWatchyesterday

The 'utility administration fee' is something I've seen at multiple large properties. You're paying them to send you a bill. There is no other description of what this covers.

2187
LemonadeUser_NC2d ago

I use Lemonade for renters insurance, $8.33/month for $30k coverage. My building requires their preferred vendor at $38. I push back every single lease cycle and eventually they accept third-party proof of insurance if it meets their minimums.

1567
FilterDelivery_Scamyesterday

The HVAC filter delivery is mandatory at my building too. $22/month. I asked if I could just buy my own filter from Home Depot for $4. No. Building policy requires their service. This is a revenue line item that has nothing to do with HVAC maintenance.

1234
MoveOut_Planning2d ago

I now ask for the full fee schedule before touring. Not just base rent. 'What are all mandatory monthly charges beyond base rent and utilities?' If they won't answer clearly before I sign, that tells me everything.

892

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