Got approved for a one-bed in a prewar elevator building uptown. Lease says first month + one month security, fine. But management also wants a nonrefundable move-in fee, paid before key pickup, and calls it an 'administrative/move-in fee.' It's not a deposit, goes to the building's 'move-in fund.' I asked if it can be refundable or applied to first month, they said no.

I thought the 2019 rules capped deposits but didn't kill junk fees. Anyone else seeing this? Is it one of those 'take it or leave it' things, or do you push back? I've rented enough here to know not to pay anything before lease signing, but this feels like landlord math.

Wait, I'm about to apply for my first place without roommates and only heard about application fees. They can just add a nonrefundable move-in fee on top of security? That seems illegal? I thought in NY you can only collect first and one month security.

Sorry if this is dumb—I've only ever subletted and the broker didn't mention this. Did you already pay a broker fee too? If you push back do they just rent to the next applicant? I'd be so scared to lose it.

@big_city_beth it's not automatically illegal, but it's borderline. In a co-op or condo sublet, move-in fees are common and sometimes nonrefundable because the building charges it. In a plain rental building it's mostly a made-up landlord fee, and some management companies will waive it if you ask before signing. If it's market-rate and they won't budge, treat it like a broker fee—do the math per month.

Woodhaven_W, I'd email them asking what the fee covers and whether they'll credit it toward rent if you sign a two-year lease. If they say no and still won't itemize, that's your answer. Don't pay anything separate until you see it in the lease, not a side email.

Co-sign Flatbush_F. I've paid move-in fees in a condo building before—a nonrefundable fee, plus a refundable deposit for the freight elevator. Wasn't fun, but it was in the building's house rules and booked in advance. What bugs me here is 'admin fee' language. That's not a move-in charge, that's just nonsense.

@Woodhaven_W I'd do what Flatbush_F said: ask for a written itemization and the building rules where it's required. If it's a rental building and they still won't itemize, that's a red flag before you've even got the keys. Sometimes they'll fold it into the security deposit or magically 'waive' it when you mention you're ready to walk.