Do I Owe the Apartment Admin Fee if I don&#39;t Sign the Lease
<p>I applied (I didn't actually fill in every field, but they still performed a background check) to an apartment where they charge both an administrative fee and application fee. I decided to sign a lease with a different apartment and consequently didn't sign one with the apartment that charges both administrative and application fees. The apartment is asking me to pay both fees, but won't tell me what the administrative fee covers that the application fee doesn't. Additionally, I was told that I could pay electronically, but once they realized I'm not signing a lease they will only accept a money order or check. I haven't paid either fee yet, but the apartment manager said he will contact a collections agency if this isn't taken care of within 30 days. Do I owe the administrative fee? This is in Texas, United States. Thanks! </p>

<p>You agreed to pay these fees when you applied for the apartment, so unless they explicitly say that one or both of these fees is waived in case you don't take the apartment (virtually no chance that they said such a thing), you owe that money. Your obligation is not contingent on them convincing you that the fee is just, so it doesn't matter that they won't explain the difference. However, if they said you can pay electronically, then you can pay electronically, since that too is part of the agreement.</p>

<p>Most apartment complexes have you to pay those fees upfront before your application can be processed, due in the form of a money order. The question is why they would run your application without payment if that is their policy? Nothing binds you to this if their policy states that payment is due before application can be processed. As well as online, the system shouldn't allow you to submit your application without payment of any fees associated with the application process. However, payment may not be refundable if you choose to not sign the lease.</p>

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