Fees, I understand but does this seem excessive to anyone else?

[Jenni G.]

The required security deposit/move-in fee of $2795.00 breaks down as follows:
Non-refundable administrative fee of $100.00--I get kind of like the $299 dealer doc fee a car dealership charges(Isn't that a part of business expense?)
Non-refundable fee of $350.00-----(for?  Excessive to me.)
Refundable deposit of $2345.00

$450 in fees because you can?

I know not a charity. The market is HOT here.  Do you think this is asking for some government intervention.  I feel it is going to get lawmakers involved.

What are your thoughts?

[Nathan Gesner]

Look, we live in an adult world where you are free to purchase products from people that are free to sell products. Or you can buy from someone else. Or don't buy. 

This Landlord is offering a property for rent in a very hot market. He charges an arm and leg for it. You can opt to pay his price or you can try to rent through someone else. The fees are fully disclosed and you can opt to pay them or take your chances somewhere else. It's a free country.

Why would government get involved? This is exactly what a hamburger joint does when you want to add cheese. 50 years ago the cheese was included. Airlines make you pay a fee for checked bags or a 6oz bottle of gut-rot wine or another 20% on your ticket price for a seat with 4" of extra leg room. Car rental companies charge a fee for additional renters or an exorbitant price if you fail to fill the tank. And government adds all kinds of fees to your phone bill, gas, utilities, hotels, etc.

Property Management is a fee world. People that charge a flat rate of 10% are making a living but they're not building a business that generates profit or that they can sell in the future. Those low-fee manager that charge 6% or 8% and nothing else likely won't survive the next 10 years. We stack nickels to make dollars.

As long as their fees are disclosed up front and can be justified, I see it as a great thing. The free market will decide who is fair and who's raking clients over the coals.