Real Estate Glossary

An application fee is a fee that is charged to cover the cost of processing an application for a loan, rental, or other type of service. The fee is typically paid by the applicant and is used to cover the costs of running credit checks, background checks, and other types of evaluations that are required to process the application.

In the context of rental properties, the application fee is usually paid by the prospective tenant and is used to cover the cost of running a credit check, checking references, and other evaluations required to determine the tenant's qualifications. Application fees can vary, depending on the landlord or management company, but they typically range from $25 to $400. Some landlords also charge an administrative fee or a move-in fee, which is usually paid in addition to the application fee.

In the context of mortgages, an application fee is usually paid by the borrower at the time of application and is used to cover the costs of processing the application. The fee is typically a flat rate and can vary depending on the lender, the type of loan, and the location.

It's worth noting that, application fees are different from appraisal fees, origination fees, or other types of fees that may be charged during the loan process. It's important for applicants to understand the difference between these fees and to ask about them upfront to avoid surprise charges later on.

As an applicant, it's important to ask about the application fee and any other fees associated with the loan, rental, or service, in order to have a clear understanding of the costs involved and to be able to budget for them.