Move-In Costs for Apartments in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA: What to Expect

If you're looking for apartments in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA, one of the first things you might ask is, "Where should I live?" But another question is, "How much is this going to cost before I even move in?"

It's important to know how much it will cost to move in, whether you're renting for the first time, moving to LA, or upgrading your space. In Koreatown, one of LA's most walkable and popular neighborhoods, rents go up quickly, and upfront costs can be high.

Let's go over what you should expect when you're getting ready to move: security deposits, fees, the first month's rent, the last month's rent, and other costs that are easy to forget.

Why Move-In Costs Are Important (Especially in Koreatown)

Koreatown is centrally located, vibrant, and packed with housing options — from classic mid-century buildings to new luxury developments.  But that popularity means there is a lot of competition.

In Koreatown, you might find that standardized upfront requirements are more common than in some slower markets, where landlords might be more willing to negotiate move-in costs. Knowing what's normal can help you plan your budget and avoid surprises.

Costs You Should Expect When Moving In

When looking for apartments in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA, these are the common costs that most renters will have to pay up front:

1. Deposit for Security
2. Fees for applying and screening
3. Rent for the First Month
4. Last month's rent (in some cases)
5. Pet deposits or pet rent (if you have to)
6. Setting up utilities or making deposits
7. Insurance for Renters

Let's go over these one by one.

1. What to Expect with a Security Deposit

For most renters, the security deposit is the highest cost. This is the amount you pay up front to "hold" the unit and cover any damage that might happen.

The usual range in Koreatown is:

Most buildings ask for one month's rent.

Landlords may ask for a deposit of 1 to 2 months' rent in some cases

A security deposit of $2,000 to $4,000 is common for a studio that costs $2,000 a month

Real examples from listings: 

Renters who visit sites like Apartments.com, Zillow, and Zumper often see security deposits equal to one month's rent. However, some high-end or newly renovated buildings ask for more.

In California, since July 1, 2024, the law has updated the limits on security deposits. The limit is one month’s rent (for landlords who own no more than two residential rental properties with no more than four total units for rent, they still collect up to two times the monthly rent).

2. Fees for Applications or Screenings

Application fees are usually not refundable, unlike the security deposit.

The usual application fee in Koreatown is between $30 and $65 per person. This includes:

• Check your credit
• Check the background
• Checking the history of rentals

In LA, these fees are normal and help landlords quickly weed out renters in a competitive market.

Tripalink and other similar sites also charge a standard fee to process applications. Usually, each applicant (like roommates) pays their own share.

3. Rent for the First Month (Always)

This one is the easiest to understand:

• When you move in, you usually have to pay the first month's rent right away

If your rent is $2,200 a month, you'll pay that amount when you sign the lease for the first month.

Even in buildings that prorate rent if you move in mid-month, you usually have to pay the full first month at the time of signing the lease (or a prorated portion) plus other costs up front.

4. Last Month's Rent (Sometimes)

You don't always have to pay last month's rent, but you will see it more often in:

• Management companies that are smaller
• Buildings that are older
• Leases for a short time

In these cases, landlords want the first and last month's rent up front. So if you pay $2,000 a month, you might pay:

• $2,000 for the first month
• $2,000 for the last month

That's $4,000 just for the rent at the time of signing.

Many larger property management companies, especially those with standard policies, don't require last month's rent, but this isn't always the case.

5. Monthly Pet Rent and Deposits

Set aside extra money for pets if you have a dog or a cat.

Costs of Common Pets in Koreatown:

• For each pet, a deposit of $300 to $500 is needed.
• Pet rent is $25 to $75 per pet, per month.

If you have one dog, for instance:

• $400 pet deposit (one time)
• $50 pet rent per month

Some buildings include pet fees in the monthly rent, while others keep them separate. Always ask how much it costs to have pets and if any fees are refundable.

6. Fees for utilities and setup

Rent for most apartments in Koreatown does not include utilities. This means that renters usually have to pay different bills for:

• Electricity
• Water
• Gas
• Internet
• Trash

Before they turn on your service, utility companies usually want a security deposit or the first month's payment.

For instance:

LADWP might ask for a small deposit before they give you electricity or water.

Gas companies might ask for proof of your financial history or a deposit.

These aren't rent costs, but they do come up on move-in day or soon after.

7. Insurance for Renters

Many landlords today require renters' insurance, even though it isn't always required.

The average cost is $15 to $30 per month, depending on the level of coverage you want.

Renters insurance is worth having even if you don't have to. It protects your belongings from theft or damage and provides liability coverage.

What Does This Look Like in a Real Koreatown Budget?

To make this more concrete, let's use an example:

For example, an apartment:

• Rent each month: $2,200

Costs to move in may include:

• Rent for the first month: $2,200
• Security deposit: $2,200
• Deposit for a pet (one dog): $400
• Fees for applying (2 applicants): $120
• Renters insurance costs $20 a month or $240 a year

Total cost up front: about $5,120 or more

This example doesn't include last month's rent, utility deposits, or internet setup, all of which could add up to several hundred dollars.

How Tripalink Listings Stack Up

If you look at sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, or Tripalink's own Koreatown listings, you'll see that the costs of moving in are about the same.

Tripalink's listings show pet-friendly, well-managed apartments, and the fees and deposits are usually clearer than on some unmoderated listing sites. That makes it easier to stick to a budget, especially in Koreatown's competitive market.

A lot of Tripalink Koreatown apartments, for instance, list:

• A security deposit of one month
• Set application fee
• Clear rules for pets
• Whether utilities are included (typically included in co-living spaces)
• Normal expectations for move-in rent

Renters can avoid surprises if these costs are made clear early on.

How to Handle Move-In Costs

Here are some useful tips for renters to make moving in easier:

1. Start saving early

Start budgeting a few months before you want to move. Knowing how much you might owe can help you plan, even if you don't have a lease yet.

2. Request a breakdown of costs

Before you go to a unit, ask the leasing office for a complete list of the costs you should expect when you move in. Put it in writing.

3. Plan your move ahead of time

Moving in the middle of the month can sometimes lower your prorated rent, but always check with management first.

4. Clarify pet fees

If you have pets, ask if the deposits are refundable, how many pets you can have, and if there are any breed or weight limits.

Final Thoughts

When you budget for an apartment in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA, you need to consider more than just the advertised monthly rent.

Being financially ready for your move to this busy LA neighborhood will not only make it easier, but it will also let you act quickly when the right unit becomes available.

FAQs: Costs of Moving into an Apartment in Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA?

1. Do landlords in Koreatown want last month's rent?

Some do, especially older management companies or smaller buildings. Most of the time, bigger property managers only need the first month's rent and a security deposit.

2. What is the usual amount of a security deposit for Koreatown apartments?

Most landlords in Koreatown want a security deposit about equal to one month's rent. However, in some cases, they may want two months' rent.

3. Can you get your application fees back?

No. Application and screening fees are usually not refundable and cover credit and background checks for each applicant.