The amount you need for a deposit is usually equal to one month's rent.  This does not include a pet deposit, which is usually separate.  Pet deposits vary greatly.  They can be refundable or non-refundable. They can also be per pet or total for all pets. Deposits may also be increased for applicants with poor credit.  Landlords might be willing to consider a tenant with bad credit if they offer a double deposit which is equal to two month's rent.    

Most landlords use a real estate agent to list their home for rent so that they can better screen the applicants to find a good tenant.  If a landlord is not willing to use a real estate agent to list the home for lease, then you might wonder if they are willing to make repairs or other maintenance items.  Most of the time, the landlord with their homes listed with a realtor will pay for the other realtor who represents the future tenant.  That is negotiable though and you should contact a realtor to guide you on potential fees.  One fee that you should expect to not be convered by the landlord is an application fee.  This is uusally charged per adult applicant over the age of 18.  The fee will cover a background check, credit check, employment verification and past rental history verification. Fees average around $50 per adult applicant.   

Your credit score can be used to decide whether your rental application is accepted.  A landlord will choose an applicant with a higher credit score over a low credit score because it is an indicator that the applicant will take care of their bills and will be less likely to pay the rent late. 

Most of the time, the rent includes just the fee to the landlord for living in the property.  Some landlords include a utility like water or lawn maintenance.  However, every home is different.  Some fees you should expect to pay in addition to rent include utilities, water, gas, electric, cable, phone, trash, and lawn maintenance.  If there is a swimming pool, you may have to pay for that too.  Everything will be spelled out in your lease agreement.  

Homeownership might be closer than you think.  Heather Llanes has helped many people become first time homeowners.  It is one of her specialties. Credit scores need to be at least 580 in most cases.  You don't have to have a large down payment saved up.  The amount of debt compared to your income matters most.  Heather Llanes has lender partners that can walk you through the needed steps to qualify for a home loan.  Give Heather a call today at 713-492-5271