What should I expect to pay up front when moving into my Daytona apartment?

Moving into a Daytona apartment can be costly.  Being prepared can help make it a smooth transition.  There are many different expenses that you can expect when moving. Some expenses to consider paying will be deposits for your apartment in Daytona, utilities, application fees, and, of course, moving expenses related to the truck rental.

When searching for an apartment in Daytona, you can definitely expect to pay an application fee.  Apartment complexes charge different application fees.  Application fees cover items such as processing your application, which includes calling employers, prior landlords, and even references, along with the expense of obtaining a credit check.  A good thing to keep in mind, is that most of the time, apartments in Daytona will run specials that will include no application fee and a smaller deposit.  Make sure to ask, when contacting a Daytona apartment, if they are offering any move-in specials.

The deposits on your Daytona apartment will also be an expense you will need to pay.  Deposits can be for holding your apartment during your application process, security deposits, and pet deposits.  When searching for an apartment in Daytona, you need to be aware that you will need to pay a security deposit.  This deposit is generally equal to one full month's rent.  It will also vary depending on your credit score and past rental history.  This deposit will typically be returned to you when you move out, if you leave the apartment in good shape and have no damage to the apartment, aside from the normal wear and tear while you are living in it.  If you have pets, you will also be required to pay a pet deposit.  This deposit will be used when you move out to cover the added expense of cleaning and deodorizing your apartment for new tenants.  Make sure you check with the apartment complex you choose to move into, if the pet you have requires a deposit and how much, so you are prepared when signing your lease.

When turning on your utilities, such as electricity, water, cable, and internet, you should expect to pay a deposit.  Most utility companies will charge a deposit based on your credit score.  It is hard to say how much each company will charge, so calling ahead of time to find out what your deposit might be, will help you save money, this way you are prepared when the time comes. 

Renting a moving truck or even hiring a moving company is also an expense you need to plan for.  Depending on your time frame and reason for moving, you should call around, or visit sites on the internet, to determine fees for renting a truck.  Most rental companies will require a set amount plus a per mile charge.  You will also be expected to bring the truck back with the same amount of gas it had when you picked it up.  Make sure you are the one to put the gas back in it.  Moving companies will charge as much as two times the regular price per gallon to fill the tank up and you will be expected to pay that amount, so stop on your way to drop it off, and get the tank back to where it started. 

As you can see, moving can be an expense, but if you plan ahead of time and know what fees you are expected to pay, having the money available when the time comes will make it easier on you and your bank account.  Make a list, know the fees expected or a roundabout figure, and then moving into your new Daytona apartment will be a breeze.

These are the opinions of writers and not the opinions of SunStateApartments.com or any of our advertising partners.