I’ve covered Chicago housing long enough to know this sound by heart: the silence right after a renter asks, “Wait—I don’t get that money back?”
That moment usually comes after someone pays a move-in fee thinking it works like a security deposit. In Chicago, that assumption can cost you thousands.
Let’s clear this up, once and for all.
The Short Answer: Move-In Fees Are Almost Never Refundable
In most Chicago apartment buildings, move-in fees are non-refundable by design. They are not deposits. They are not escrowed. And they are not protected under the same rules as security deposits.
Once you pay it, that money is usually gone—whether you stay five years or move out next summer.
But renters still get confused. And frankly, I don’t blame them.
Why Chicago Landlords Use Move-In Fees Instead of Deposits
A Chicago-Specific Shift
Over the last decade, Chicago landlords—especially larger management companies—have quietly moved away from traditional security deposits.
Why?
Because Illinois law strictly regulates security deposits, including:
- Where the money must be held
- Whether interest must be paid
- How quickly it must be returned
- What documentation is required
Move-in fees avoid all of that.
From a landlord’s perspective
A move-in fee is:
- Collected once
- Immediately usable
- Not required to be returned
- Not governed by escrow rules
From a renter’s perspective? It feels like a deposit. But legally, it isn’t.
Typical Move-In Fee Amounts in Chicago
Here’s what I see most often across the city:
- Studio apartments: $300–$500
- One-bedroom apartments: $400–$700
- Two-bedrooms and up: $500–$1,000+
Luxury buildings downtown, West Loop, River North, or South Loop may push higher—especially when combined with admin fees, amenity fees, or “new resident” charges.
None of these are automatically refundable.
Move-In Fee vs Security Deposit: The Key Difference
Security Deposit
- Refundable (minus documented damages)
- Regulated by Illinois law
- Must be returned within a set timeframe
- Requires itemized deductions
Move-In Fee
- Typically non-refundable
- Not protected like a deposit
- Often labeled as “administrative” or “turnover” cost
- Rarely returned, even if you leave the unit spotless
This distinction is the single most misunderstood part of renting in Chicago.
How to Confirm If a Move-In Fee Is Refundable (Before You Pay)
Step 1: Read the Lease Language—Carefully
Look for exact phrases like:
- “Non-refundable move-in fee”
- “Administrative fee”
- “Fee in lieu of security deposit”
If it does not explicitly say “refundable,” assume it is not.
Step 2: Ask This Exact Question
Do not ask vaguely. Ask this instead:
“Is this move-in fee refundable at move-out, in whole or in part, under any circumstances?”
If the answer is anything other than a clear “yes, here’s how,” it’s a no.
Step 3: Get the Answer in Writing
Emails count. Leasing portals count. Verbal promises do not.
If it’s refundable, the lease should spell out:
- Conditions
- Timeline
- Method of return
If none of that exists, neither does your refund.
Real-World Chicago Example
I recently spoke with a renter moving from Logan Square to the West Loop. He paid:
- $650 move-in fee
- $300 admin fee
- $200 elevator reservation fee
Total upfront cost: $1,150—none of it refundable.
When he moved out after 14 months with no damage, he got exactly zero dollars back.
That’s not a scam. That’s standard practice.
Are Move-In Fees Ever Refundable?
Rarely—but it happens.
You might see partial refunds if:
- The lease explicitly allows it
- You cancel before taking possession
- A unit is unavailable due to landlord error
These cases are exceptions, not norms. In Chicago, assume non-refundable unless proven otherwise.
What Renters Can Do to Protect Themselves
Before Signing
- Compare buildings with deposits vs fees
- Factor fees into total move-in cost
- Ask for fee breakdowns
While Touring
- Request a full cost sheet
- Ask what’s refundable and what isn’t
- Don’t rely on assumptions from past rentals
When Relocating
- Chicago practices differ from many other cities
- Out-of-state renters get hit hardest by fee confusion
Summary: What Every Chicago Renter Should Remember
- Move-in fees are usually non-refundable
- They are not security deposits
- Illinois tenant protections often do not apply
- Always confirm in writing before paying
- Total upfront cost matters more than monthly rent
In Chicago, the fine print is where the real rent lives.
Visit TourWithAgent.com to schedule curated apartment tours in Chicago with real availability, real pricing, and an expert agent to guide you.
If you’re going to pay a move-in fee, you should at least know exactly why—and what you’re getting in return.
Related Articles:
Move In Fee vs Security Deposit in Chicago: What’s Better for Renters?
