... you can't afford it.

Does that saying apply to people who inquire about your rental and the first thing they ask is how much is the move in costs

I feel like I shouldn't even waste my time following up with people who write in their email "how much are move-in costs"

Yes

I view questions as a sign of interest.

I worry about folks who want to move in but have not asked such questions.

Yeah, Brad, I think move-in costs are a legitimate question. They can vary by thousands depending on LL's SD and rent policies. If a LL asks for $50 app fee each, first, last and 2x rent SD, that's a ton of money. Plus power & water deposits, etc.

I have thought of that however, I know that many times now when we post places for rent/lease they get "picked up" by other sites that may or may not actually have all of the information that I posted originally. I know, it's a bit crazy but I just go with that thought process.

Another "thought" is that someone else may have seen the ad and instead of forwarding it to them just said "hey - here's a place that looked nice and reasonable" (or whatever) so they may not really know much about your place.

So yes, I think if they ask it may not be a bad idea for them. They then know (plus I'm hearing from many in the area lately) that some places post one thing but then when they go to the apartment or fill out the information, etc it's not the same place OR the information is different.

I see it as a legitimate question if not furnished in the add.

I'm not sure I want to try to rent to anyone who rents a place without knowing how much the rent and deposit are, plus any other fees. I expect applicants to verify those figures. ( OK, David, it would be odd to have that be the very first question)

My tip off that I'm not going to accept the applicant is when they ask how much the utilities are going to cost them every month. When those people actually apply, they never pass screening.

I would rather have them ask that then lie to me about their income and then come to a showing and try to play on my sympathy when their income comes up hundreds of dollars short...

Of course I expect applicants to eventually ask how much the move-in costs are, the majority of applicants ask at the showing, some ask on the phone screen and then...

MY reply, "I can include anything you want to pay for. What is your monthly budget?"

Many people on this site do not like to include utilities with the rent. I know what the utilities run on these places and most of them have been updated so I will gladly make utilities into a profit center.

How do you ensure it stays a profit center? Make the lease a month to month from the start and do extra site visits and monitoring. This profit isn't free to the landlord - you have to earn it.

"I am talking about the emails that just say "how much are move-in costs." I am starting to think that is an indication they are short on money , not and just getting all the figures. --50.4.xxx.x"

I agree with you, I think that is what's happening. But unfortunately that's the world we live in now. I just googled "Americans" and "emergency fund" and came up with the factoid that 40% of Americans can't cover a $400 emergency expense. And many other such stats out there.

move in costs is a good question t ask. They can vary.

Application fee

Threshold fee ($300 fr mine)

First month’s rent

Utility deposit ($280 or more)

So for my smaller place I’m currently marketing, they need :

$50 for application

$300 threshold fee

$475 rent

$150 pet registration fee

$35 added rent

$280 electric deposit

Total comes to $1290 if moving in a cat, which is the common one these days. Without an animal still over $1000.