How Much Are Apartment Application Fees?

In a 2024 Zillow survey, 79% of recent renters reported paying an application fee. The typical application fee to apply for their current rental was $50. Fees can vary by location, landlord, property manager, and the service provider. For instance, Zillow offers a portable rental application for a $35 application fee. 

Each person whose name will appear on the lease typically needs to pay their own application fee. So if you’re planning to live with roommates, factor in that everyone will likely need to pay this cost separately.

Understanding application fees upfront can help you budget effectively and navigate the rental process with confidence.

What is an apartment application fee?

An apartment application fee is a one-time payment you make when you apply to a rental. This usually non-refundable fee covers the costs associated with processing your rental application, including background checks, credit checks, and employment verifications.

Why do apartments have application fees?

Landlords and property managers charge application fees to cover the costs of evaluating potential tenants. When you apply for an apartment, they need to verify that you’re financially capable of paying rent and that you’ll be a responsible tenant who respects the property and neighbors.

Property managers must order credit reports, conduct background checks, verify employment and income, and review your rental history. They also need to process paperwork and coordinate with screening companies. These administrative tasks require staff time and resources that the application fee helps offset.

Application fees also serve another practical purpose: they help ensure that only serious applicants submit their applications. When someone is willing to pay an application fee, it typically indicates a genuine interest in renting the property. This saves landlords time by reducing the number of applications they have to process to fill their vacant units quickly.

What does the application fee cover?

The application fee may cover administrative costs, such as staff time to review applications, coordinate with screening companies, and process paperwork. Some landlords may also include the cost of temporarily holding the unit off the market while they review your application. In general, your apartment application fee typically covers several essential screening services:

• Credit history check: Your credit score and history help landlords assess whether you can reliably pay rent on time. 
• Criminal history check: While not always included in a background check, your criminal history is sometimes checked to ensure the safety of other tenants and the property. 
• Employment verification: This confirms your employment status and that your job title matches what was reported in your application. Sometimes, employment verification is completed by contacting your employer directly. 
• Income verification: This is a way to assess your ability to afford the rent payments. Oftentimes, you may need to provide proof of income in the form of pay stubs, bank statements, or other financial documents. 
• Rental history check: Your past rental address can reveal a lot about your payment behavior and character as a tenant. A rental history check may look for previous evictions, lease violations, or issues with former landlords.

Are apartment application fees refundable?

Unfortunately, apartment application fees are typically non-refundable. Once you submit your application and pay the fee, you generally won’t get that money back, regardless of whether your application is approved or denied.

This differs significantly from a security deposit, which you pay after your application is approved and which may be returned when you move out (minus any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear). The application fee is specifically for the screening process, while the security deposit protects the landlord against potential property damage during your tenancy.

There are rare exceptions where landlords might refund application fees, such as when they decide to rent to someone else before processing your application; however, these situations are uncommon. Always know your rights as a renter and clarify the refund policy before paying any fees.

Can I avoid paying a rental application fee?

Some local housing organizations offer financial assistance programs that provide stipends to help cover rental application fees. These programs vary by state and community, so research what’s available in your area if you’re having trouble affording multiple application fees.

However, be aware that waiving application fees for some applicants but not others could potentially violate the Fair Housing Act, so many landlords apply fees consistently to all applicants. 

If you’re struggling to afford multiple application fees while apartment hunting, consider applying for rentals online through Zillow. With our reusable application form, you can fill out your information once and use it multiple times to apply to participating rentals for 30 days — all for a single $35 application fee.

Are there application fee limits?

State laws vary significantly in their regulation of apartment application fees. Some states set maximum limits, others require that fees not exceed the actual cost of screening, and a few states have no regulations at all. Here are some examples of application fee limitations by common states:

Since state laws can vary greatly, research the regulations in your specific area to ensure you’re not being overcharged. Understanding your local laws helps you recognize when an application fee might be unreasonably high, giving you grounds to question excessive charges.

Making application fees work for you

While application fees are typically part of the rental process, understanding them helps you plan your apartment search more effectively. Budget for these costs upfront, and remember that paying an application fee demonstrates your serious interest in a property.

The screening process that apartment application fees contribute toward ultimately benefits everyone involved. You gain confidence that your neighbors have been properly vetted, while landlords can make informed decisions about who they rent to.

When you’re ready to streamline your apartment search, consider using Zillow’s rental application service. For just $35, you can apply to unlimited participating properties for 30 days, potentially saving money compared to paying separate fees for each application. It even helps you stand out to landlords with a comprehensive application that includes your background check and credit report.