Off-campus housing is a popular option for Georgia Tech students. With the opportunity to have your own bathrooms, cook for yourself, enjoy more flexibility and sometimes even save money, living off campus can seem like the obvious choice. But before you get excited about the base rates you see online, don’t forget to take into account all of the costs associated with renting an apartment.
Read Next: What’s the Cost of Living Near Georgia Tech in Midtown?
At Rambler Atlanta, our leasing team has helped hundreds of students find housing and we understand the shock that can come after receiving your first bill if you’re not aware of all of the additional costs that can be associated with choosing to live off campus.
In order to avoid this confusion and to help you understand additional costs and fees you might encounter when renting a student housing apartment, we have compiled a list of additional fees that students often encounter when living near Georgia Tech.
10 Costs on Top of Base Rent to Consider for Student Apartments Near Georgia Tech
1. Application Fee
At the start of your leasing process, most off-campus student apartments will ask for an application fee from potential tenants. This fee usually falls within the $50 to $150 range for Midtown apartments. This will cover the costs of your background check, administrative tasks and the overall processing of your application.
Some places might throw in a discounted or waived application fee to encourage students to kickstart their leasing process. To see if your apartment complex offers application fees for the apartment(s) you’re interested in, ask their leasing office directly. This way, you can plan your budget accordingly.
Curious about Rambler Atlanta’s application process? Shoot a message to our leasing team; we’re more than happy to guide you through your housing search.
2. Administration Fee
The admin fee handles administrative tasks, billing, bill auditing and general overhead expenses. This one-time fee falls between $100 to $200 and will be billed either at the time of application or on move-in day.
If you have more questions or need details about Rambler Atlanta’s admin fees, don’t hesitate to reach out to our leasing team. We’re here to help you navigate your housing journey.
3. Parking
Having a secure parking spot is a top priority for many students living in Midtown. Whether you rely on your car for commuting to an internship or exploring Atlanta, most student apartments in Midtown offer contract parking options.
Prices for these can be anywhere between $90 to $350 per month, varying based on the specific complex. Some apartments even offer a variety of parking packages with different rates based on the following:
- How many months you purchase a parking pass for, such as by the month or for the full lease term
- If you park on-site or off-site
- If you buy a reserved spot or general parking
- If you purchase a tandem spot
Parking details are outlined in your rental agreement and they typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Georgia Tech Parking in Midtown Atlanta
4. Security Deposit
A security deposit is a refundable fee due on move-in. It serves as a safeguard to ensure you take responsibility for any potential damage to your apartment during your lease. Security deposits are typically between $100 to $300 and are held by your landlord until your move-out day.
Upon move-out, your landlord will assess your apartment for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. They reserve the right to deduct funds from your security deposit as needed. Assuming you’ve maintained your apartment well, expect the full deposit to be returned to you within 45 days of move-out.
5. Utilities
Aside from rent and parking, utility fees are one of the major expenses when renting an apartment. Typically billed monthly, the actual cost is contingent on your usage for that specific month and may or may not already be encompassed in your rental rate. Before signing, contact your landlord to get an understanding of the average monthly cost for tenants and whether it’s part of your rent.
Leases may distribute utility responsibilities among you and your roommates differently, so a thorough review of your lease is crucial to understanding your obligations.
Utilities can encompass various services, such as:
- Electric
- Gas
- Water
- Cable/TV
- Internet
- Washer/dryer
Additionally, you’ll likely have a one-time utility setup fee, common in many apartments upon move-in, ranging from $15 to $100. While some places may include WiFi, cable TV and washer/dryer units in the monthly rent, it’s essential to confirm with your landlord before signing to plan accordingly.
Read Next: How Much Do Utilities Cost at a Midtown Apartment?
6. Rental Insurance
Many properties require renters to acquire insurance covering both themselves and their belongings throughout the lease. While standard insurance often protects the property, it may not cover personal belongings in case of theft, fire or natural disasters, making renter’s insurance a necessity.
Renter’s insurance can range from around $10 to $30 per month. Even if not required by your apartment complex, having renter’s insurance is highly recommended.
Read Next: Renter’s Insurance vs. Liability Waiver Program: What’s the Difference?
7. Trash Fees
Trash service fees generally fall within the range of $5 to $25 per month. This fee might be separate or included in your monthly rent, so check your lease for your apartment’s specific policy.
8. Maintenance Fees
To maintain the grounds and indoor facilities, properties often have maintenance fees. This small additional charge can be incorporated into your monthly rental rate in some lease agreements. Review your lease to determine if maintenance fees are part of your rent or an extra charge.
9. Moving Costs
Moving expenses can vary widely, ranging from $50 to over $500, contingent on your specific requirements.
Fees linked to moving in and out may include, but are not limited to:
- Storage space ($35 to $300 based on unit size)
- Cleaning services ($150 to $500, depending on necessity)
- Moving services ($25 to $100, contingent on mover and vehicle costs)
For more details on moving within Midtown Atlanta, checkout our Moving Checklist.
10. Pet Fees
If you’re considering bringing a pet, be sure to budget for associated fees. Most student apartment communities typically require two types of fees: a pet deposit and monthly pet rent.
A pet deposit functions similarly to a security deposit but is designated for potential pet-related damage beyond normal wear and tear. This fee can range from approximately $100 to $500 and is usually due at the beginning of your rental term or upon lease signing. While often refundable at the lease’s end, confirm with your apartment complex’s leasing office.
The other fee is monthly pet rent, typically falling within the $15 to $50 range. This fee is payable at the beginning of each month, in addition to your rental rate. It’s important to note that this fee is applied per pet, meaning if you have two pets, you’ll incur this charge twice monthly. Some apartments may even vary pet rent rates based on factors like the animal’s size, breed or type, so it’s important to understand your apartment’s specific policy.
While living off-campus offers various advantages such as luxurious amenities, more space and increased freedom, it’s vital to account for these additional fees before making significant decisions.
We trust this article has provided you with a clearer understanding of the fees associated with off-campus living. For further housing questions for more information about off-campus living at Rambler Atlanta, feel free to reach out to our leasing staff. We’re here to assist you!
