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