Last updated: October 29, 2026. By the Apartments Club Editorial Team.
Signing a lease usually costs much more than one month’s rent. This calculator adds up rent due at signing, the security deposit, application fees, pet charges, movers and setup costs so you know how much cash to have ready.
| Rent due at signing | |
| Security deposit | |
| Fees, moving and setup | |
| Estimated cash needed to move in | |
| As multiple of monthly rent |
Your inputs are not saved or sent anywhere. Defaults are examples, not quotes. California's deposit limit (AB 12) generally caps security deposits at one month's rent from July 1, 2024, with an exception for some small landlords (AB 12 text). Estimate only, not legal or financial advice.
How to use it
- Rent due at signing: most landlords ask for the first month. Some ask for first and last. If you move in mid-month, choose “Prorated” and enter the move-in day; the calculator uses a 30-day month.
- Security deposit: under California’s AB 12, for most leases since July 1, 2024 the deposit is capped at one month’s rent. Some small landlords may charge up to two months. Outside California, check your state’s rules.
- Fees: California limits rental application screening fees to the landlord’s actual costs, subject to an inflation-adjusted cap. Ask for an itemized receipt.
- Moving and setup: get two or three mover quotes; see our guide to choosing a moving company.
Tips to lower move-in costs
- Ask if the landlord will accept a deposit split into installments.
- Time your move to avoid paying rent on two places at once.
- Shop for renters insurance before signing; see renters insurance explained.
- Document the unit’s condition at move-in so you get your deposit back.
Sources
- California AB 12 (2023), security deposits: bill text.
Disclaimer: Estimate only, not legal or financial advice. Default values are examples, not quotes.
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