Looking to rent (or lease out) a home in Los Angeles and wondering which fees are legitimate? You’re not alone. At TGN Property Management, we believe in transparent, compliant, and renter‑friendly practices.
Below is a clear overview of what’s typical—and lawful—when it comes to application, admin, and move‑in/move‑out fees in Los Angeles.Our Los Angeles Property Management experts recommend using this guide to compare any fee schedule you’re given and asking for written explanations for anything that isn’t crystal clear.
Quick Answer
- Application/screening fees: Allowed in California, capped by state law and adjusted annually. Landlords may only charge the actual screening cost up to the legal cap.
- “Admin” or “processing” fees: Nonrefundable landlord add‑on fees are generally not allowed in California. Most charges must be rolled into rent or the refundable security deposit.
- Move‑in/move‑out fees: Landlords generally cannot charge nonrefundable move‑in/move‑out fees. However, HOAs or condo associations may require their own elevator reservation or move fees—these can be legitimate pass‑through charges with documentation.
- Security deposit: As of July 1, 2024, California generally caps residential security deposits at one month’s rent (there is a narrow small‑landlord exception).
- Timing & transparency: Deductions must be itemized and deposits returned within 21 days after move‑out in California.
Note: This guide is for general information, not legal advice. Rules can change; confirm current caps and local ordinances before signing.
Application (Screening) Fees in Los Angeles
California Civil Code allows landlords to charge a screening fee to cover the cost of credit/background checks and processing. This fee is capped by state law and adjusted annually for inflation. In practice, it’s typically a modest amount and should never exceed the legal cap.What to expect:
- You should receive a receipt showing the actual screening costs.
- If the landlord doesn’t run a report, they shouldn’t charge the fee.
- Each adult applicant can be charged once.
How TGN handles it:
- We only charge up to the lesser of the actual cost or the legal cap, and we provide transparent documentation.
- Our Los Angeles Property Management experts recommend asking for the fee amount, what’s included, and a receipt—before you pay.
“Admin,” “Processing,” and Other Add‑On Fees
Here’s where California stands apart. Nonrefundable “admin” fees—such as lease initiation fees, paperwork fees, or portal fees—are generally not permitted as separate junk fees. In California, most one‑time landlord charges (beyond the allowed screening fee) should be either:
- Included in the rent, or
- Counted as part of the refundable security deposit (subject to the deposit cap and refund rules).
Red flags:
- Vague “setup” or “keying” fees with no itemization.
- “Cleaning fees” charged up‑front as nonrefundable. In California, cleaning costs—if any—are handled through post‑move‑out deposit deductions and must be reasonable, documented, and exclude normal wear and tear.
How TGN handles it:
- No hidden junk fees. We structure costs to comply with California law and clearly disclose what you’ll pay and why.
- Our Los Angeles Property Management experts recommend declining any nonrefundable admin fee that isn’t clearly allowed by law or backed by a third party (like an HOA) with documentation.
Move‑In / Move‑Out Fees
- Landlord move‑in/move‑out fees: As a general rule in California, landlords cannot charge separate nonrefundable move‑in or move‑out fees. Costs associated with turnover—like ordinary cleaning or rekeying—must be handled via the security deposit (and only to restore the unit to its initial condition minus normal wear and tear).
- HOA/Condo association fees: Many Los Angeles condo buildings and communities require elevator reservations, scheduling deposits, or move coordination fees. These are legitimate third‑party charges and may be either refundable deposits or fixed fees. Landlords can pass these through with proof from the HOA.
Best practices:
- Get the HOA fee schedule in writing with amounts, whether they’re refundable, and any rules (e.g., move hours, insurance requirements).
- Confirm whether the building requires a certificate of insurance from your movers.
How TGN handles it:
- We pass through HOA‑mandated move fees with documentation and never mark them up.
- We schedule move‑ins to minimize elevator conflicts and protect your deposit with proper compliance.
- Our Los Angeles Property Management experts recommend confirming elevator reservation windows and posting any required mover insurance before the big day.
Security Deposits and Move‑Out Deductions
- Deposit cap: As of July 1, 2024, California generally caps residential security deposits at one month’s rent. There is a narrow exception for certain small landlords; when in doubt, ask for confirmation in writing.
- Pet deposits: Any pet “deposit” is just part of the overall security deposit and cannot exceed the cap. “Nonrefundable pet fees” are generally not allowed in California. “Pet rent” (a monthly amount) may be permissible if disclosed.
- Deductions: Landlords can deduct for unpaid rent, excessive damage, and cleaning to restore the unit to its move‑in level of cleanliness—not for normal wear and tear.
- Timeline: Landlords must return the remaining deposit and an itemized statement of deductions within 21 days after move‑out, including copies of receipts or invoices.
How TGN handles it:
- We offer a pre‑move‑out walkthrough upon request to identify potential deductions early.
- We itemize clearly and return deposits on time.
- Our Los Angeles Property Management experts recommend documenting the condition with date‑stamped photos at move‑in and move‑out to protect everyone.
Other Common Fees You Might See
- Keys/fobs/garage remotes: Reasonable replacement costs are allowed; we provide receipts.
- Optional amenities: Parking, storage, or concierge services may carry monthly charges—these must be disclosed in the lease.
- Utilities: Ratio billing or sub‑metering is allowed if spelled out in the lease and done fairly.
Our Los Angeles Property Management experts recommend requesting a one‑page fee summary that includes every recurring or one‑time charge so you can compare properties apples‑to‑apples.
For Renters: How to Spot Fair, Lawful Fees
- Ask for an itemized fee schedule before applying.
- Confirm the application fee is at or below the legal cap and get a receipt.
- Decline vague nonrefundable admin fees not required by law or an HOA.
- Verify the deposit amount complies with California’s cap.
- Keep all move‑in/move‑out photos and communications.
For Owners: How to Stay Compliant and Reduce Vacancy
- Build operational costs into rent—not junk fees.
- Keep one‑time charges within the security deposit framework and stay under the cap.
- Pass through HOA fees with documentation only; never mark them up.
- Offer a pre‑move‑out inspection to reduce disputes and speed turns.
- Publish a transparent fee policy—it boosts trust and conversion.
Our Los Angeles Property Management experts recommend annual policy reviews to align with changes in California law and local ordinances.
How TGN Property Management Does Fees
- No junk fees: We keep it simple, legal, and transparent.
- Screening fees only up to the legal cap and backed by receipts.
- HOA move fees are passed through at cost with documentation.
- Deposits handled by the book: caps, timelines, and itemized statements.
- Renter‑friendly process: pre‑move‑out walkthroughs, clear communications, fast responses.
Want a copy of TGN’s current fee and deposit policy or a quick review of a fee schedule you’ve been given? Our team is happy to help. Our Los Angeles Property Management experts recommend making fee clarity your first step—it saves time, money, and stress for everyone.Contact TGN Property Management today to get started with a compliant, transparent leasing experience in Los Angeles.