Base rent vs mandatory monthly fees: how to read an apartment offer

When a community advertises $1,400 for a one-bedroom, that number is usually the base rent. Many Texas properties also charge mandatory monthly fees: pest control, valet trash, package lockers, amenity or technology bundles. These can add $50 to $150 or more to the real monthly cost.

On Apartments Texas, offers that come from a listing which states this structure carry the note "Base rent; excludes mandatory monthly fees." Treat two offers as comparable only after you know the full monthly total for each.

Before you sign, ask the property for the complete list of recurring monthly charges, which of them are mandatory, and the total you will actually pay each month. Ask the same question about one-time move-in costs: application fee, administration fee, and deposit.

Prices and specials change. Always confirm the current numbers with the property directly.