Signing your first lease feels like freedom—until the fees and fine print start bleeding you dry.
Renting your first place feels like a major adult milestone. You’ve got the keys, maybe a mattress on the floor, and a kitchen that you swear you’ll cook in eventually. But underneath all that excitement, there’s a sneaky underlayer no one really warns you about: the financial traps built right into the system. These aren’t just rookie mistakes—they’re money leaks designed to catch people who don’t know to look.
Landlords, management companies, and even utility providers know that first-time renters aren’t familiar with how things work. They count on it. Hidden fees, misleading clauses, vague “policies,” and random charges often go unchallenged because renters assume they’re standard. But they’re not. These traps add up fast—and by the time you realize it, your deposit’s gone and your rent just jumped $300 overnight. If you’re new to renting, keep your eyes open for these ten tricks. A little knowledge now can save you hundreds later—and maybe your sanity too.
1. The “non-refundable deposit” that sounds normal but isn’t.
Some landlords label part of your deposit as “non-refundable”—but that’s just a sneaky way of charging extra rent, according to the authors at Debt Book. Security deposits are supposed to be refundable if you take care of the place. Anything labeled as “non-refundable” should raise flags, especially if it’s vague like a “cleaning fee” or “administrative processing.”
They might spin it as routine, but it’s not. Always ask exactly what the deposit covers and what you can get back. Get it in writing. Sometimes you can negotiate this upfront or even offer to do a professional deep clean before you leave to skip the fee. Don’t assume it’s normal just because it’s common. Normal and fair aren’t always the same thing.
2. “Utilities included” can mean you’re overpaying every month.
“Utilities included” sounds convenient—until you realize you’re paying a premium for services you barely use, as reported by Joey Arak at Curbed New York. Some landlords charge a flat fee that’s way higher than your actual usage, especially if you live alone or don’t blast the AC 24/7. You end up subsidizing your neighbor’s all-day gaming setup and four-hour showers.
Ask for an estimate of what utilities usually cost, or request a breakdown of what’s included. If they’re vague, there’s probably a reason. If you can pay for your own usage directly to the provider, it’s often cheaper in the long run. Flat-rate utilities might save hassle, but they can also bleed your budget dry without you realizing it.
3. Rent that jumps after 12 months with zero warning.
You sign a lease, move in, and start to settle into a routine. Then your renewal notice comes with a jaw-dropping rent hike. Many leases lock in your rate for the first year but include a clause that allows massive increases after that, as stated by Ann O’Connell by Nolo. Some don’t even require advance notice beyond a few weeks.
Always ask about renewal terms before signing. Will you get a warning? Is there a cap on how much it can go up? If they won’t commit to a number or put it in writing, assume they’re leaving room to jack it up as high as they want. That “affordable” apartment could become unaffordable real fast.
4. Lease clauses that charge for normal wear and tear.
Scratches on the floor, faded blinds, or nail holes for picture frames—these are normal parts of living in a space. But some leases include language that lets landlords deduct money for anything less than “like new” condition. That’s not just unfair—it’s illegal in some places.
Learn the difference between wear and tear and actual damage. Take photos of the apartment the day you move in, and again when you leave. Document everything. That photo of the already-cracked baseboard might be what saves your deposit. Landlords know most people don’t fight these deductions—so prove you’re not most people.
5. Application fees that go nowhere—and add up fast.
It’s just $30 here, $50 there—but applying to multiple places adds up quickly. And worst of all, some landlords take your money even when they already know they’ve filled the unit. They just “forgot” to take down the listing or tell you before collecting the fee.
Before you pay anything, ask if the unit is still available and how many applications are ahead of you. If they can’t answer clearly, walk away. Some property managers treat application fees like a side hustle. Don’t help them profit off your housing search.
6. The “convenience fee” for paying rent online.
You’d think paying your rent online would be easier for everyone involved. But some landlords charge an extra 2–4% just for using a credit card—or even a debit card. Others tack on a “processing fee” for using their online portal at all. You’re being charged for the privilege of giving them money.
Always check your payment options before move-in. See if there’s a no-fee method like ACH transfer or paper check. And if you’re stuck with a portal that charges fees, try negotiating to pay in person or by mail. That 3% might not seem like much, but it adds up to hundreds over a year.
7. Requiring renter’s insurance—then offering overpriced plans.
Many leases require renter’s insurance, which is actually a good idea. But some landlords conveniently “recommend” a preferred provider—usually one that charges way more than you’d pay elsewhere. They might even auto-enroll you if you don’t show proof by a certain date.
Don’t take their word for it. Renter’s insurance should cost around $10–20 a month, depending on your area and coverage. Shop around and submit your own policy. Don’t get trapped into overpaying for a plan just because it was offered through your leasing office.
8. Sneaky late fees that start the minute you’re overdue.
Some leases include harsh penalties for even being one day late. We’re talking $50 the second the clock hits midnight on the due date—and sometimes a daily fee after that. Others offer a “grace period” that sounds generous but still kicks in charges without much notice.
Read the lease closely. If there’s a strict cutoff, set a recurring reminder. Even better, set your payment to go through a day or two early. One forgotten transfer can cost you big, and landlords rarely waive these fees—even for first-time slip-ups.
9. Move-out cleaning charges no matter how clean you leave it.
You scrubbed the fridge, wiped every baseboard, and even lit a candle to make it smell nice. Then your deposit comes back $200 short for “cleaning fees.” It’s a common scam. Some landlords plan to use that money for routine cleaning, even if the place is spotless.
Before you move out, ask what cleaning standard they expect. Get it in writing. Better yet, do a walk-through with the landlord and get sign-off before handing in the keys. Take photos after you finish cleaning. That way, when they try to charge you anyway, you’ve got receipts—literally.
10. Maintenance requests that go ignored until they become your problem.
That tiny drip from the ceiling? The flickering light in the hallway? If you don’t report it, it “never happened.” Some landlords intentionally delay maintenance, then blame you later for water damage, mold, or a shorted outlet. And suddenly, you’re on the hook for something that should’ve been fixed weeks ago.
Always report issues in writing—email is your best friend. Document when you contacted them, what you said, and how they responded. If something gets worse, you’ll have proof it wasn’t your neglect. Being proactive protects your deposit and gives you power if a dispute comes up. Silence always benefits the landlord, not you.