How to dispute landlord and apartment fees
Rent is the number you were quoted. The fees that follow, from admin and amenity charges to late fees, are where tenants get surprised.
Start with your lease
Read every page. Is the fee in the lease? Is the amount the same? A charge that is not in your lease, or is higher than your lease says, is a good reason to ask for it to be removed. Keep your lease, the application and any emails from before you moved in.
Late fees
Many states cap late fees or require a grace period. Check your lease and your state's rules. If you paid inside the grace period, or the fee is far larger than a reasonable amount, say so.
Admin, trash, pest and other monthly charges
Ask what each charge is for and when it started. If it was added after you signed, ask what notice you were given. Some fees can only be added at renewal.
Security deposit deductions
If fees were taken from your deposit, ask for an itemized list with receipts. Many states set a deadline for returning the deposit and listing deductions.
What to put in your letter
- Your address, unit number and lease dates.
- Each fee you dispute and its amount.
- The lease section that says something different, or that the fee is missing.
- What you want: removal of the fee and a refund of any months you paid.
If they say no
Write to the property manager, then the owner or management company. Your local housing agency, tenant organization and state attorney general's office may take complaints. Keep copies of everything. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
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