When you're on the hunt for a new rental home or apartment in Utah, the excitement of finding the perfect space often overshadows the finer details—until the paperwork begins. One of the most common questions we hear from prospective tenants is, “What fees should I expect when filling out a rental application with a property management company?”
Renting through a professional Utah property management company—such as Wolfnest—comes with several advantages, including streamlined processes, accountability, and professional oversight. However, it also comes with certain fees that you may not encounter when renting directly from an individual landlord. Knowing these fees upfront will allow you to budget more accurately and avoid any surprises.
Let’s break down the typical fees you might encounter when applying for a rental property through a property management company in Salt Lake City and across Utah.
1. Rental Application Fee: The First Step
One of the first fees you’ll encounter during your rental journey is the application fee. This fee is collected when you apply for a rental property and typically covers the cost of processing your application. Property managers use this fee to conduct:
Background checks
Credit history reviews
Employment verification
Rental history verification
The amount varies from company to company, but in Utah, application fees typically range from thirty dollars to seventy-five dollars per applicant. It’s crucial to understand that there is no legal limit to how much a property management company in Utah can charge for application fees, unlike in some other states.
Before submitting your application, always review the property manager’s application criteria and ask if the fee is refundable should you not qualify. In most cases, the fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
2. Lease Origination Fee: Setting the Lease in Motion
Another common charge you’ll encounter when renting from a professional property manager in Utah is the lease origination fee (sometimes referred to as a lease setup or administrative fee).
This fee covers the administrative tasks associated with drafting and executing a lease agreement. It includes:
Preparing legal documents
Coordinating signatures
Ensuring compliance with local Utah rental laws
Setting up your tenant portal and payment systems
Facilitating your move-in process
Depending on the property management company, this fee typically ranges from one hundred dollars to three hundred dollars. Though some renters question its necessity, this fee guarantees that the lease is legally sound, clear, and properly executed—benefits that help protect both the tenant and the landlord.
3. Security Deposit: Protecting the Property
While not technically a "fee," the security deposit is another significant upfront cost. In Utah, there’s no statewide limit on how much a property manager can charge for a security deposit, but it commonly equals one month’s rent.
The purpose of the deposit is to cover potential damages beyond normal wear and tear or unpaid rent. Make sure you understand:
How much the deposit is
What conditions must be met to have it refunded
The timeline for its return (in Utah, landlords/property managers must return the deposit within thirty days after the lease ends)
4. Pet Fees and Pet Deposits
If you're moving in with a furry friend,A non-refundable pet fee (typically between one hundred t expect additional fees. Many Utah property management companies charge:
o three hundred dollars)
An additional monthly pet rent (ranging from twenty-five to fifty dollars per pet)
Sometimes a pet deposit, refundable if no damage is caused
Always check the property’s pet policy upfront, especially regarding breed or size restrictions, to avoid any last-minute surprises.
5. Late Fee: Stay on Schedule
Late fees aren’t part of the application process, but they’re essential to understand before signing your lease. If your rent payment is late, you can expect to incur a late fee, usually set as a percentage of your monthly rent—often 10% of the rent amount.
For example, if your rent is one thousand dollars, the late fee may be one hundred dollars. Some Utah leases also allow for a grace period (usually between three to five days) before the fee is applied.
To avoid these unnecessary charges, make sure you:
Know when rent is due
Set up automated payments, if possible
Read your lease terms regarding grace periods and late fees
6. Month-to-Month Fees: Flexibility at a Cost
While many tenants prefer the flexibility of going month-to-month after their initial lease expires, it often comes with an extra charge. This month-to-month fee typically ranges from twenty-five to two hundred dollars per month, depending on the property manager’s policy.
This fee compensates the property manager for the uncertainty and potential vacancy risks associated with month-to-month agreements. If you’re considering this option, be sure to:
Weigh the convenience against the cost
Review your lease terms to understand the month-to-month fee amount
Determine whether signing a new lease could save you money in the long run
7. Service of Notice Fee: Lease Compliance Reminder
Property managers occasionally need to issue formal notices if tenants fail to comply with their lease terms—whether it’s due to non-payment, unauthorized occupants, unapproved pets, or other violations. This is where the service of notice fee comes into play.
In Utah, there is no fixed amount for this fee. It generally ranges from fifty to one hundred fifty dollars, depending on the administrative burden and delivery method. Avoiding this fee is simple: carefully read your lease and adhere to its terms.
8. Utility Fees or Admin Charges
In some cases, property management companies may pass along administrative utility fees. This could include:
Flat-rate fees for water, sewer, or trash
Service or processing charges for setting up utilities in your name
Charges for online payment portals
Be sure to ask:
Which utilities are included in your rent
Whether there are additional administrative utility fees
How these fees are billed and collected
Final Thoughts: Be Fee-Savvy Before You Sign
Understanding potential tenant fees is crucial before filling out a Utah rental application. While the application fee may be the first expense, it’s only the beginning. Factoring in lease origination fees, pet fees, security deposits, and possible late or month-to-month fees ensures you’re fully prepared for the financial commitment of renting.
At Wolfnest Property Management, we believe in transparency. Our goal is to provide both landlords and tenants with a seamless rental experience—free from unexpected costs or surprises. We encourage all prospective tenants to carefully review our rental application criteria, fee schedules, and lease agreements so they can make informed decisions with confidence.
If you’re searching for a professional, reliable property management company in Salt Lake City or throughout Utah, we’re here to help. At Wolfnest, we make renting simple, straightforward, and stress-free.
