What It Actually Costs
No hidden fees, no surprise charges. Everything you’ll pay—before you sign.
Move-In Costs
Here’s what to expect from application through lease signing. No nonrefundable deposits.
At Application
Per adult applicant. Covers background and credit screening. Non-refundable.
After Approval
Reserves your unit until lease signing. This amount is applied to your security deposit—it’s not an additional charge.
At Lease Signing
Standard deposit on approved credit. Fully refundable per lease terms. Holding deposit of $300 is applied, so the remaining balance at signing is $450.
Additional deposit: An additional $250–$500 may be required based on screening results. Also fully refundable.
Max 2 pets. Cats and small dogs up to 25 lbs. Treated as additional security deposit (fully refundable). No monthly pet rent.
Estimate Your Monthly Cost
Select what applies to you to see an estimated monthly range. Utility estimates are approximate and will vary.
App fee: adults + cosigners. Utility billing: adults + children.
This calculator estimates costs for planning purposes. Occupancy is evaluated individually for each unit—entering a number here does not determine or guarantee approval for any household size.
For larger households, we recommend reaching out to Rob to discuss which units would be the best fit. We evaluate occupancy on a case-by-case basis considering the size and configuration of each unit.
Estimated Monthly Cost
Plus internet ($30–$80/mo) and renters’ insurance ($15–$25/mo), arranged directly by you.
Estimated Move-In Cost
What We Don’t Charge
Other communities tack on fees that add up fast. Here’s what you won’t see on your bill.
Current Specials
Active incentives on available units. Each special is a choice—pick the one that works best for you. Net effective rent shows your real monthly cost over the full lease term.
Other Fees & Policies
Tap for details on any item.
Late fee $40
If rent is not received by the 5th of the month.
NSF / Returned payment $25
For insufficient funds or returned payments.
Early lease termination One month’s base rent
If the early termination option is exercised per the lease agreement.
Renters’ insurance Required
$300,000 liability minimum. If coverage lapses, a landlord-placed tenant liability policy (LPTLI) may be applied at $8/mo—liability coverage only (no contents), naming the property, not the resident. Maintaining your own policy is strongly recommended.
Online payment fees Varies
Credit and debit card payments may incur a processing fee charged by the payment processor, not by the property. eCheck payments linked to your bank account have no fee.
Parking $60–$80/mo
Assigned uncovered: $60/mo. Covered carport: $80/mo. Subject to availability.
Storage $75/mo
Subject to availability.
Utilities Varies
Water/sewer and trash billed by the property based on building usage and occupancy (not sub-metered). Gas and electric billed directly by SDG&E based on your usage.
Move-in proration
Full deposit and one month’s rent collected at move-in regardless of move-in date. Second month prorated based on a 30-day accounting month.
Move-Out & Deposit Return
All deposits at Hillcrest Place are fully refundable per the terms of your lease. We don’t do “nonrefundable” deposits.
Your security deposit (and any additional deposit) is returned after move-out, minus any deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other charges per your lease agreement. An itemized statement of deductions is provided within 21 days as required by California law.
Common Deductions
These are typical charges that may be deducted from your deposit. Not all apply to every move-out. Tap for details.
Final utility charges Varies
Water/sewer/trash charges since last billed amount. Typically covers 1–2 months of charges depending on move-out timing.
Standard cleaning $185–$285
Studio: $185. One-bedroom: $225. Two-bedroom: $285. Additional $50–$100 may apply for heavy cleaning beyond standard.
Carpet cleaning $60–$100
One-bedroom apartments only (carpeted units). Cost depends on condition.
Trash-out / hauling $100+
If furniture, belongings, or debris are left behind that require removal. Cost based on volume.
Pet treatment $65
Professional flea/tick treatment by pest company. Applies to units where pets were present during tenancy.
Painting $500–$800
Full repaint, cost varies by unit. Expected lifespan: 2 years—charges are prorated based on length of tenancy. No charge after 2+ years of occupancy.
Carpet replacement $250–$350
One-bedroom apartments (carpeted bedroom). Expected lifespan: 5 years—charges are prorated based on length of tenancy. No charge after 5+ years.
Vinyl plank flooring $200–$2,500
Cost depends on amount of flooring to be replaced. Expected lifespan: 5 years—charges are prorated based on length of tenancy. No charge after 5+ years.
Maintenance labor $60/hr
For repairs beyond touch-up and normal wear and tear. Charged at hourly rate plus materials.
Painting and flooring charges are prorated based on expected lifespan and length of tenancy—the longer you live here, the less you pay. Deductions for normal wear and tear are not permitted under California law.
Ready to take a look?
Rob manages Hillcrest Place personally. Call or text anytime to schedule a tour.