What Will I Be Required to Pay Before Move-In?
Once your application is approved, there are several time-sensitive payments required to secure your home and finalize your move-in.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay everything before I receive keys?
Yes. All move-in funds must be paid in full before access is granted.
Are payments refundable if I change my mind?
Some are, some are not. Application fees are never refundable; deposits may be refundable depending on timing and policy.
Can I split payments between multiple people?
Yes, as long as the required balance is paid in full by the deadline.
What happens if I miss a payment deadline?
Your home may be released to the next approved applicant. Move-in timelines are strict.
Required Payments Before Move-In
Below are the payments typically required before receiving access instructions.
1. First Month's Rent/Non-Refundable Hold Fee
This payment is required to officially reserve the home and is non-refundable if you decide not to move in. We recommend paying within 24 hours of approval to secure the home.
This payment removes the home from marketing and showings, reserves your move-in date, and applies directly to your first month's rent. If you move in mid-month, your second month's rent will be prorated based on the number of days remaining in your first month.
2. Resident Security Deposit
Your security deposit is due in full before you receive keys or access to the property. You may pay anytime after approval, but it must be completed prior to your move-in date.
A security deposit is a refundable payment held during your tenancy to cover any damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other lease violations. At move-out, the deposit is returned minus any deductions, with an itemized statement provided as required by state law.
3. Administration Fees
Most leases require an administrative charge, typically called a move-in processing fee. This fee is outlined in your lease and due prior to move-in. It covers the administrative work involved in setting up your tenancy, including document preparation, account setup, and move-in coordination.
4. Pet Fees or Pet Deposits (If Applicable)
If you have pets, you may owe a one-time nonrefundable pet fee, a refundable pet deposit, and monthly pet rent. All pet-related payments must be finalized before move-in.
5. Utility Activation (Proof Required)
While not a payment to MoveZen, you typically must activate utilities in your name and provide proof before receiving keys. This may include electric service, water and sewer, gas, trash, and internet (optional). Your move-in packet will state which utilities you are responsible for.
Why All Funds Must Be Paid Before Move-In
Requiring full payment upfront ensures legal and financial readiness, protects residents from unclear balances on move-in day, prevents delays in scheduling your access, and ensures the home is fully reserved for you and removed from the market.
Recommended Payment Methods
MoveZen highly recommends online, verified, electronic payments via your resident portal. These methods post faster, create instant receipts, reduce risk of delays or lost payments, are more secure, and are required in some markets for move-in funds.
Avoid checks, cashier's checks, or money orders unless specifically required.
You're encouraged to pay online, but this option is turned off 7 days before your move-in date. Once you're within that window, certified funds are required.
If you still have a balance due after online payments are disabled, the MoveZen team will send you an electronic cash pay slip for the remaining amount. It's fast, easy, and counts as certified funds.
What Happens After You Pay Your Move-In Funds?
Once all required payments are received and cleared:
- Your lease will finalize and execute
- Your move-in instructions will be issued
- Access steps (lockbox, office pickup, smart lock, etc.) will be provided
- Your resident portal will become fully active
- Your move-in inspection link will be sent
Then welcome home!