When you’re getting ready to lease an apartment in a major Texas city, the application process often comes with several fees. Some are standard and legitimate. Others vary widely by property. And a few can feel confusing if it’s your first time renting or if you’re relocating from another state where the process is different.
Texas has one of the most active apartment markets in the country, and understanding the typical fees you should expect can help you plan your budget, avoid surprises, and feel confident as you submit applications to your top buildings.
This Uptown101 Expert Guide breaks down every common fee you’ll see when applying for an apartment in Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, what you should look out for, and how to make sure you’re getting fair pricing throughout the process.
⭐ The Five Main Categories of Apartment Application Fees in Texas
When you apply for an apartment in Texas, you’ll typically encounter fees across five categories:
- Application Fees
- Admin or “Leasing” Fees
- Deposit (Refundable or Partially Refundable)
- Pet Fees (If Applicable)
- Monthly Fees (Utilities, Valet Trash, Parking, etc.)
Understanding each category — and what’s normal — will make everything smoother.
Let’s break them down clearly and simply.
⭐ 1. Application Fees ($50–$100 per person)
This is the standard fee every renter pays to submit an application.
What this fee covers:
- Background check
- Credit check
- Employment verification
- Rental history
- Identity verification
Typical amount:
Most Texas properties charge $50–$100 per applicant, though luxury properties can go up to $125.
What to watch for:
✔️ Application fees are non-refundable, even if you are denied.
✔️ Co-signers usually pay the same fee.
✔️ Each applicant 18+ must pay separately.
Tip:
If you are uncertain between two buildings, submit the application to the one you’re most likely to choose so you don’t waste fees.
⭐ 2. Admin / Leasing Fees ($150–$300 typically)
This fee often surprises renters — but it’s standard.
What this fee covers:
- Lease preparation
- Processing your application
- Creating your resident profile
- Move-in administration
- Staff time
Typical amount:
Most buildings charge $150–$300, but luxury high-rises can charge up to $350–$450.
Is this refundable?
No, this fee is almost always non-refundable once approved.
What to watch for:
✔️ Some properties run specials that waive this fee — especially at the end of the month or quarter.
✔️ Some buildings call this the “administrative fee,” “leasing fee,” or “onboarding fee.”
✔️ You should never pay this before approval — it’s usually charged only when your application is accepted.
This is one of the main upfront costs to plan for.
⭐ 3. Security Deposit (Refundable, usually $150–$500)
Texas is generally lower than many U.S. states when it comes to security deposits.
Typical amount:
- $150–$500 refundable deposit for most buildings
- Luxury high rises may charge $500–$800
- Some properties offer a no-deposit option through third-party programs
Your deposit is refundable if:
- You leave the apartment clean
- No damage beyond normal wear
- No outstanding rent or fees
You may also see “Surety Bonds”:
Some communities use programs like Jetty or LeaseLock to reduce upfront deposits.
These:
- Reduce your deposit to $0–$50
- Are non-refundable
- Lower your move-in cost
- Act like insurance for the building
Tip:
If you want cheaper move-in costs, ask whether the property offers a deposit alternative.
⭐ 4. Pet Fees (If Applicable)
If you have a pet, expect three separate charges:
✔️ Pet Deposit ($150–$300, refundable)
Refundable if the unit has no pet damage.
✔️ Pet Fee ($150–$400, non-refundable)
One-time fee for having a pet, often used for cleaning common areas.
✔️ Monthly Pet Rent ($15–$35 monthly)
Charged per pet in many communities.
Total typical pet charges:
- Upfront: $300–$700
- Monthly: $15–$70 (if two pets)
Breed restrictions:
Texas properties sometimes have limitations — always verify in advance if you have a large breed.
⭐ 5. Monthly Fees Added to Rent
These fees show up every month and vary by property type and location.
The most common ones:
Valet Trash ($25–$40 per month)
Almost every modern property includes this.
Your trash is picked up from your door 5 nights a week.
Water / Sewer / Gas (varies by usage)
This is typically:
- Billed through the property
- Based on building usage
- Charged individually
Expect $30–$60 per month for most renters.
Electricity
Texas is a deregulated market — you choose your own provider.
Cost depends on:
- Provider
- Plan
- Usage
- Season
Expect $70–$150 per month depending on unit size and climate.
Internet & Cable ($50–$100 per month)
Some buildings:
- Require their provider
- Offer bundled resident rates
- Provide fiber or high-speed options
Amenity Fee ($5–$25 monthly, sometimes included)
Covers:
- Pool upkeep
- Gym equipment
- Resident services
- Events
Not all buildings charge this.
Pest Control ($5–$10 monthly)
Standard in modern buildings.
Parking ($0–$150 monthly)
Depends on:
- Covered vs. garage
- Reserved vs. unreserved
- City location
High-rise downtown parking can reach $150–$200, while suburban garages may be $50–$100.
Package Locker Fee ($5–$15 monthly)
For Amazon Hub, Luxer, or similar systems.
⭐ What Should You Expect to Pay on Move-In Day?
Here’s a typical Texas move-in cost example for a new renter:
Upfront Costs:
- Application fee: $75
- Admin fee: $200
- Security deposit: $250
- Pet fee: $300 (if applicable)
- First month prorated rent: varies
- Possibly second full month’s rent (if near end-of-month move)
Total typical upfront:
$525–$750 without pets
$850–$1,200 with pets
This is fairly standard for Texas, especially in modern buildings.
⭐ What About Specials, Discounts, and Waived Fees?
Great news: Texas markets often offer move-in specials, especially:
- End of month
- End of quarter
- During slower seasons (Jan–March, July–August)
- During new-building lease-ups
You might see:
- Admin fee waived
- Reduced deposit
- 1–2 months free
- Preferred employer discounts
- Lower rates for earlier move-ins
This is where timing becomes key — and where working with Uptown101 helps you catch the best offerings.
⭐ What Fees Should You Question or Be Cautious About?
Most Texas properties are fair and transparent, but watch out for:
✔️ Application fees over $150
Rare and often unnecessary.
✔️ “Processing fees” or unexplained one-time charges
Ask what they cover.
✔️ Duplicate fees
Admin + move-in + processing + onboarding is too much.
✔️ Forced cable/internet bundles
Some are legitimate, some are overpriced.
✔️ Very high deposits without explanation
This can indicate credit risk policies — always ask.
⭐ Pro Tip: Ask for a Full Fee Sheet Before You Apply
Before submitting ANY application, request:
- A full fee sheet
- All monthly recurring charges
- All one-time charges
- All deposits
- All pet-related charges
- Any optional fees
- Any potential specials
This ensures no surprise charges during approval.
⭐ Why Using a Professional Apartment Locator Helps With Fees
As an Uptown101 client, you benefit from:
✔️ Clear explanations of every fee
No confusion. No surprises.
✔️ Awareness of current specials
We know which buildings are waiving fees right now.
✔️ Insider understanding of pricing cycles
You’ll apply at the right moment for the best rates.
✔️ Guidance to avoid overpriced buildings
Some properties charge much higher fees than others.
✔️ Free service
A high-value resource at no cost to you.
The entire process becomes faster, clearer, and stress-free.
Contact Info
Uptown101 has been around since 2014!
Reach out anytime for 100% Free Expert Apartment Searches
in Dallas/FW – Houston – Austin – San Antonio
Free Search Request: https://uptown101.com/search
Text/Call Grant: 214-492-9791
Check out our reviews on Google here:
