What to collect first
- Exact BH community
- Application fee
- Refundable versus nonrefundable security option
- Amenity fee
- Valet Waste or other valet service
- Garage, storage or parking charge
- Pet deposit or pet fee
- Monthly pet rent
- Lease-break and notice provisions
- Signed lease and addenda
Security options need careful labeling
BH says residents can have a choice between refundable and nonrefundable security options. Before comparing amounts, identify whether the payment is a refundable security deposit, a nonrefundable alternative product or another fee.
Amenity fees vary by community
BH identifies examples such as valet waste, garages, storage and other services, while warning that availability and cost differ by community. The company’s general guide is a checklist, not a portfolio-wide price sheet.
Pet charges can stack
BH notes that communities may use pet fees or deposits plus monthly pet rent. Keep one-time and recurring pet costs separate when calculating the total.
Questions to ask before signing
- Which charges are mandatory?
- Which are optional?
- Which payments are refundable?
- What recurring services can change during the lease?
- What exact property document lists the amount?
Compare this fee across management companies
Use the company-specific disclosure above first, then compare the same fee category across other operators that publish a source-based RentBillCheck guide.