Free renter tool
Move-In Cost Calculator
Signing a lease usually costs far more than one month's rent. Add up what's actually due on day one — and mark anything you haven't been told yet, so it isn't quietly counted as zero.
Move-in cash is the first hurdle. What matters next is whether the apartment leaves you enough each month once utilities, commuting and fees are counted.
What's usually due at signing
In most markets you'll be asked for the first month's rent and a security deposit, plus a broker fee where one applies. Buildings may add application, administrative, move-in or pet fees. Some landlords also ask for the last month's rent — if yours does, add it under other upfront fees.
Unknown isn't zero
A cost you haven't been told about yet is not a cost of zero. Marking a line as "not specified" keeps it out of the total but keeps it visible, so the figure you plan around is honest about what it doesn't include. Mark a line "not applicable" only when you've confirmed there's genuinely no such charge.
Deposits usually come back
A security deposit is refundable in most states, subject to damage and unpaid rent, so it behaves differently from a broker fee — but you still need the cash upfront. Rules on deposit caps, interest and return deadlines vary by state and sometimes by city.
More free renter tools
- Rent Affordability Calculator — See what share of your take-home pay a rent would use, and what's left.
- Broker Fee Calculator — Turn a broker fee percentage into real dollars, upfront and per month.
- Full Breather apartment check — rent, fees, utilities and commuting in one true monthly cost.
Breather gives estimates for informational purposes only — it isn't financial advice. Breathing room is personal, and these thresholds are general guidelines.