Rental Q&A Day: Overnight guests, Security Deposits & Application Fees, Oh my!

Question: Can the application fee for an apartment be waived or negotiated ?

Answer: Usually no! The application fee is typically used to run a credit check on you and "the process to go through your application."  Now most credit checks should be about $50-$75.00 and some landlord/management companies charge $125.00 and up for an application fee. Where is the discrepancy and where does the extra $75.00 go to? Honestly, probably the landlords bank account. In the years I worked as a licensed salesperson the application fee was never reduced or waived. The only thing at ever ended being negotiable was the rent! 

Question: How long does the landlord have to return security deposit? My security amount is close to $7k. What recourse is available to me?

Answer:  (DISCLAIMER: Talk to an attorney, this is opinion!) It should be within a reasonable amount of time which is 30 days, but it has taken longer than that for me personally and other clients of mine. If you have spoken directly with the landlord and they are dragging their feet with no real explanation and it has passed a "reasonable amount of time" your recourse is to sue the landlord.

Question: Can a renter have over night guest?

Answer: In short, YES. Unless it was specifically stipulated in your lease you are welcome to have over night guests.

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