{"id":79628,"date":"2025-12-31T15:54:42","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T19:54:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/matchboxrealty.com\/residential\/?page_id=79628"},"modified":"2026-01-29T13:28:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T17:28:33","slug":"rent-fees","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/matchboxrealty.com\/residential\/prospective-residents\/rent-fees\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQs – Rent\/Fees"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\r\n \t\t\t\tWhat security deposit and fees are required? What are the Tenant Onboarding Fee, Lease Processing Fee, and Key Fee? \t\t\t<\/h5>\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n \t\t
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We require security deposit and fees for every property that is leased. The Security Deposit<\/strong> and fees are usually equal to about one month\u2019s rent, but may be more or less depending upon the property.\u00a0 In no case shall they exceed two month\u2019s rent.<\/p>\n

The Tenant Onboarding Fee<\/strong> is a non-refundable amount stated at the beginning of your Lease. It is a per-person fee billed to tenants at the beginning of a new occupancy. Current tenants who renew for the same Dwelling Unit shall not be required to pay the Tenant Onboarding Fee, when their leases are concurrent. This fee covers services such as lease creation and entry, account setup for your Tenant Portal, move-in coordination, preparation of move-in materials, and a quality inspection of your unit. Please note that this fee is not part of your security deposit and will not be refunded. If a tenant transfers to a different unit\/property with Matchbox – even if it is within the same building\/complex – a new occupancy will begin, and the Tenant Onboarding Fee will need to be paid.<\/p>\n

Tenant(s) shall pay a one-time, non-refundable Lease Processing Fee<\/strong>, as stated in the Lease. This fee is assessed per person and is not part of your security deposit. The Lease Processing Fee covers the processing of your application and the establishment of your tenant account. Once a tenant has lived with Matchbox under a lease, they will not be responsible for paying this fee again as long as their leases remain concurrent.<\/p>\n

The Key Fee<\/strong> covers the cost associated with issuing and processing keys\/fobs for units and tenants. This includes the creation of physical keys\/fobs, administrative handling, and updates to access records to ensure secure and accurate key\/fob distribution. The fee applies to all tenants moving into a unit whether they are a new, add-on, or replacement tenant.\u00a0 Renewing tenants are not responsible for paying an additional key fee when signing a full occupancy renewal lease for the same unit. However, tenants on a renewal lease without full occupancy are responsible for paying any difference in charges owed per the Lease due to reduced occupancy.<\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/div>\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n \t<\/div>\r\n \t \t

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\r\n \t\t\t\tWhat do you do with my security deposit? \t\t\t<\/h5>\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n \t\t
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All security deposits are held in strict accordance with the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) in an Escrow Account.<\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/div>\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n \t<\/div>\r\n \t \t

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\r\n \t\t\t\tWhen is rent due? \t\t\t<\/h5>\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n \t\t
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Your first rent charge is due on your lease start date, which may not occur on the 1st of the month. After your lease start, rent is due on the 1st<\/sup> of every month. Late fees will be assessed at 5 p.m. on the 5th<\/sup> day of every month, as per your Lease.<\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/div>\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n \t<\/div>\r\n \t \t

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\r\n \t\t\t\tWhat do I have to pay prior to moving in? \t\t\t<\/h5>\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n \t\t
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Prior to moving in, you are responsible for paying the balance on your account, which includes, but is not limited to, the Security Deposit, *Tenant Onboarding Fee, **One-Time Lease Processing Fee, Key\/Lock Fee, and First Base Rent Charge. If you are bringing an animal with you, you will also be responsible for paying animal rent, animal security deposit and the non-refundable animal fee. In some cases, you may also be responsible for tenant\/lease specific fees, including, but not limited to, Parking Rent and\/or Furniture Rent.<\/p>\n

\u00a0You are responsible for all charges outlined per your lease\/lease addendums. All balance must be paid prior to being issued your keys.<\/p>\n

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*Current Tenant(s) renewing for the same Dwelling Address (unit\/bedroom) shall not be required to pay the Tenant Onboarding Fee, as long as leases are concurrent.<\/span><\/p>\n

**Current Tenant(s) at another property managed by Agent shall not be required to pay the One-Time Lease Processing Fee, as long as leases are concurrent<\/span><\/p>\n \t\t\t<\/div>\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n \t<\/div>\r\n \t \t

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\r\n \t\t\t\tWhat is Renters and Liability Insurance? \t\t\t<\/h5>\r\n \t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n \t\t
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All tenants are automatically enrolled in the Landlord\u2019s liability insurance program. This coverage satisfies the lease\u2019s liability insurance requirement. It will, in qualifying circumstances, provide coverage for accidental damage (qualifying accidental acts involving fire, smoke, explosion, water discharge, and sewer back-up) caused by the tenant to the rental unit. The property owner is the insured party. However, this does not cover the tenant\u2019s personal belongings or offer comprehensive protection.<\/p>\n

To fully protect themselves and fulfill the lease requirement, tenants are strongly encouraged to secure a personal renter\u2019s insurance policy that includes:<\/p>\n