Move-In Cost Calculator: First Month, Deposit, Fees
Calculate the total amount due at move-in: prorated first month rent, security deposit, application fees, and last-month-rent setup. Free, no signup.
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Book a DemoHow much is due at move-in?
Total move-in cost for a typical SFR rental commonly runs 2 to 2.5 times monthly rent. For a $1,800 unit, that's $3,600 to $4,500. The total breaks down into prorated first month rent, security deposit (typically 1 month), an application or admin fee, and sometimes a last-month-rent deposit or pet deposit. Mid-month move-ins reduce the prorated component meaningfully.
How prorated rent works
Prorated rent equals (monthly rent / days in the move-in month) times days remaining in that month from the move-in date. For a $1,800 rent with a March 15 move-in, prorated rent = ($1,800 / 31) × 17 = $987.10. Most landlords collect the prorated amount plus the full deposit at move-in, then begin full monthly rent on the next 1st.
State caps on deposits and move-in fees
Several states cap security deposits at 1 to 2 months of rent. California is currently transitioning from a 2-month cap (for unfurnished units) to a 1-month cap under AB 12. Massachusetts and New Jersey cap at 1.5 to 2 months. Many states also restrict last-month-rent collection or require interest if collected. Confirm your jurisdiction's rules before quoting a move-in package.
How to use this calculator
Enter monthly rent, move-in date, deposit (in months of rent), whether first-and-last is required, application fee, and any pet deposit. The calculator returns total move-in cost broken into prorated rent, deposit, and other components, plus a band check against typical move-in totals.
Frequently asked questions
How much is due at move-in for a rental?
Total move-in cost commonly runs 2 to 2.5 times monthly rent for SFR rentals. For a $1,800-rent unit with a one-month deposit, that's typically $2,500 to $4,500 depending on move-in date proration. First-and-last setups push the total higher.
How is prorated rent calculated?
Prorated rent equals (monthly rent / days in the move-in month) times days remaining in that month from the move-in date. For $1,800 rent with a March 15 move-in: ($1,800 / 31) × 17 = $987.10. Most landlords use the move-in month's actual day count rather than a 30-day average.
How much should a security deposit be?
One month's rent is the most common deposit amount. Several states cap at 1 to 2 months. California is transitioning to a 1-month cap under AB 12. Massachusetts and New Jersey cap at 1.5 to 2 months. Some markets allow more, but high deposits can shrink the applicant pool.
Can a landlord require first and last month plus deposit?
Sometimes, depending on state. Many states allow it but cap the total deposit-equivalent. Some states (NY, CA, others) restrict or prohibit collecting last-month rent in advance. Check the statute before quoting a first-and-last package.
Are application fees refundable?
Generally no, but some states cap the maximum application fee. California caps at the actual screening cost (currently around $59). Several states require itemized accounting of application fees. The fee should reflect actual screening and processing cost, not a profit center.
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