Administrative fees

OHIO- Can a landlord assess more than one administrative fee? There was one for $100. when I moved into the apartment. It was stated in the lease and paid. I was told that it was for the filing of paper work and to do a background check. I have fulfilled my lease, but am now told that another $100 administrative fee will be charged upon my vacating. I am not sure what this is for, but since the security deposit was also $100, I am guessing that it is a way in which they are trying to get around returning the security deposit. What can I do?

There is no mention of administrative fees in OH LL-Tenant law so nothing there makes them illegal. Since this was written into your lease, you signed and agreed to that lease, you agreed to these fees. Why didn't you argue the fees at lease signing? And why is your deposit so low? Deposits are normally around once month's rent. A $100 deposit is nearly unheard of. I'm guessing this was a move-in special of some kind.

From original author of message in reply to first response.
A one time only administrative fee was mentioned in the lease; no additional ones were ever in writing or even mentioned until now when I am in the process of vacating. I feel sure that it's purpose it to negate the security deposit, but you are right in thinking that the deposit was so low to begin with, that maybe I should not quibble over losing $100, even if it is for nothing. I do think that OHio should have this in their LL-T law that obscure fees that serve no purpose should not be allowed. I know that California has it in their law that a one time only administrative fee can be served upon the tenant. I think that is a good law. I understood the purpose of the first fee and was O-K with it; I do not understand the purpose of the second fee because there is no purpose for it except that they get to keep my $100 security deposit. Ohio needs to amend their law. I appreciate knowing that Ohio makes no mention of this in their current law. I have looked through the laws, and I did not see anywhere about fees that LL could assess, so I guess this is a legal loophole that benefits the LL. I know that application fees, community fees, pet fees, and security deposits are all legitimate, and I can even understand a one time administrative fee, but not another one to move out. That makes no sense. It's just an example of how consumers get ripped off.

From original author of message in reply to first response.
A one time only administrative fee was mentioned in the lease; no additional ones were ever in writing or even mentioned until now when I am in the process of vacating. I feel sure that it's purpose is to negate the security deposit, but you are right in thinking that the deposit was so low to begin with, that maybe I should not quibble over losing $100, even if it is for nothing. I do think that OHio should have this in their LL-T law that obscure fees that serve no purpose should not be allowed. I know that California has it in their law that a one time only administrative fee can be served upon the tenant. I think that is a good law. I understood the purpose of the first fee and was O-K with it; I do not understand the purpose of the second fee because there is no purpose for it except that they get to keep my $100 security deposit. Ohio needs to amend their law. I appreciate knowing that Ohio makes no mention of this in their current law. I have looked through the laws, and I did not see anywhere about fees that LL could assess, so I guess this is a legal loophole that benefits the LL. I know that application fees, community fees, pet fees, and security deposits are all legitimate, and I can even understand a one time administrative fee, but not another one to move out. That makes no sense. It's just an example of how consumers get ripped off.

I misunderstood. Both of these fees weren't listed? Only the first fee? If the fee for the end of tenancy isn't listed, you should refuse to pay it. The paperwork has already been done and the background check competed. So there would be no need to charge again. The only paperwork that needs done at the end of tenancy is the inspection and the itemization of damages from the deposit. Neither of these costs any money to do (unlike a background or credit check). These are just basic everyday LL tasks. If they attempt to list this as an itemization from the deposit (which should be mailed within 30 days of vacating), sue them in small claims.

That's right. Only the first administrative fee was ever mentioned in the lease, and it, of course, has been paid. Thank you for your response. I will certainly take this all under advisement. The second administrative fee is totally unfair, and if LL tries to connect this into the security deposit return, I may consider further action. Thanks again.