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NYC Renting Guide

What application fees are there for NYC rentals, and which may be non-refundable?

Quick answer

In NYC, ordinary application, credit, and background-check fees are usually capped at $20. Do not lump all charges together — confirm condo/co-op, move-in fee, amenity fee, and broker fee separately.

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01

How to understand application fees

Before applying, the most important thing is to get an itemized fee list. Do not call every charge an "application fee." Ordinary application, credit check, and background check are one category; a condo/co-op board package, move-in fee, amenity fee, security deposit, and broker fee are another. For each item, ask the amount, purpose, when it is due, and whether it is refundable.

02

Action checklist

  • Ordinary application fees: application, credit check, and background check.
  • Building fees: move-in fee, amenity fee, and board package fee.
  • Broker fees: confirm which party the broker represents and who hired them.
  • Before paying: ask whether each item is refundable.
  • Keep evidence: save the application page, receipts, and payment screenshots.

03

Watch out for

  • Do not call every fee an "application fee."
  • In NYC, ordinary application/credit/background-check fees are usually capped at $20.
  • For condo/co-op, amenity, and move-in fees, read the documents.
  • Pause if someone uses a vague fee name to rush payment.

Next step

If you have more questions about renting in NYC, Livins.ai offers free rental guidance and listing recommendations to help you move in with confidence.

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04

Questions

Can you still say application fees are $20–$100?
It varies across the US; in NYC, ordinary application, credit, and background-check fees are usually capped at $20.
Is an application fee over $20 always illegal?
Ordinary application/credit/background check should be read under the $20 rule, but condo/co-op, move-in, amenity, or board fees should be reviewed by their nature and documents.
Can a broker fee still be charged?
When a tenant hires their own broker there may be a fee; in NYC a landlord’s agent cannot pass the landlord-side broker fee to the tenant.
Is the fee refunded if the application is rejected?
It depends on the nature of the fee and the written terms — ask whether it is refundable/non-refundable before submitting.

05

Related

What should you check most during an in-person apartment viewing?What qualifications do NYC apartment applications usually screen for?

Sources

Last updated 2026-05-01.