Security Deposit vs First Month Calculator
Add up everything a landlord asks for before you get the keys — security deposit, first and last month, and fees — so move-in day holds no surprises.
How it works
Move-in cash = deposit + first month + last month + fees · Deposit = rent × deposit months · Refundable = deposit
The sticker price of a rental is the monthly rent, but the amount you actually need to sign a lease is often three to four times that. A typical ask is first month plus a one-month security deposit, and some markets add last month’s rent and non-refundable application fees on top. Knowing the full move-in figure — and how much of it is a refundable deposit — is what keeps a move affordable.
Worked example
On $1,800 rent with a one-month deposit, first month required, no last month, and $100 in fees, you need 1,800 + 1,800 + 100 = $3,700 at move-in. The $1,800 deposit is refundable, so $1,900 is truly spent.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a normal security deposit?
One month’s rent is the most common, though some landlords ask for more for pets or weaker credit. Many states cap the deposit at one or two months’ rent, so an unusually large request is worth questioning.
Is the security deposit refundable?
Yes — a security deposit is held against damage and unpaid rent and should be returned after move-out, minus legitimate deductions. Application and admin fees, by contrast, are almost always non-refundable.
What is last month’s rent for?
Some landlords collect the final month’s rent upfront so the tenancy can’t end with an unpaid month. Unlike the deposit it is prepaid rent, not damage protection, and simply covers your last month in the unit.
Related calculators
This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.