If you’re budgeting for a move, the real question usually isn’t “What’s the rent?”—it’s how much money you need upfront to get the keys. In Midland, MI, move-in costs typically include security deposit, rent due at signing (or move-in), fees, utility setup, and (if applicable) pet costs.

This guide breaks it down in plain English, includes a simple calculator you can copy, and ends with a move-in inspection section to help protect your deposit.

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The quick answer

Most renters should plan to have about 2–3x one month’s rent available for move-in—because deposit + rent due + utilities/fees can stack quickly. (The exact total depends on the home, screening criteria, and whether you have pets.)

For context, Zillow’s Midland market trends pages report an average rent around the mid–$1,500s (depending on the dataset and update date). Zillow

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What you’ll pay upfront

Here are the most common move-in cost categories in Midland rentals (homes/duplexes included):

1. Security deposit
2. First month’s rent (or prorated rent if moving mid-month)
3. Application fee(s)
4. Admin/lease prep fees (if charged)
5. Utility setup costs (deposits + connection/start fees)
6. Pet deposit/fee + monthly pet rent (if you have pets)
7. Move-in extras (renters insurance, supplies, moving truck)

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Security deposit

A security deposit is money held to cover eligible charges at move-out (damage beyond normal wear, missing items, unpaid amounts—based on your lease).

What affects deposit amounts

• Credit/rental history
• Income verification
• Pets
• Household size/occupancy
• The home’s size/condition and owner policy

➡️security deposit in Midland, MI

Michigan security deposit rules you should know

These are some of the most important deposit timeline rules renters miss:

• Within 30 days after move-out, the landlord generally must return the deposit or send an itemized list of damages (per Michigan’s Security Deposit Act). Michigan Courts
• After receiving the itemized list, the tenant typically has 7 days to respond in writing disputing charges. Home | Michigan Legal Help

(This is general information, not legal advice—always read your lease and ask questions before signing.)

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Rent due at move-in

Most leases require rent to be paid either at signing or before move-in.

Common scenarios

• First full month due: If you move in near the 1st.
• Prorated rent: If you move in mid-month, you may pay a partial month upfront, then your regular amount on the usual due date.
• Last month’s rent: Sometimes requested, sometimes not.

Ask this before you apply:
“Can you confirm exactly what rent amount is due at signing and what’s due at move-in (first month, prorated rent, or last month)?”

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Application + admin fees

These are usually smaller than rent/deposit, but they add up—especially if there are multiple adults applying.

• Application fee: typically covers screening.
• Admin/lease prep fee: sometimes charged for onboarding/lease processing.

Tip: Ask for a written “move-in cost sheet” that includes every fee so there are no surprises.

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Utilities setup in Midland

Utilities are one of the biggest “surprise” move-in costs because providers may require deposits or connection/start fees, especially for new accounts.

What utilities you may be responsible for

This varies by property, but common utilities include:

• Electric
• Gas
• Water/Sewer
• Trash
• Internet

Midland-specific: getting utilities turned on

Electric/Gas (many Midland-area homes): Consumers Energy has a Start/Stop/Transfer Service process (start service for new customers; transfer if you’re already a customer moving addresses). Consumers Energy

Water/Sewer (City of Midland properties): The City of Midland provides a Water/Sewer Service Activation Request form that includes “Tenant” as an option. City of Midland
For water emergencies, the City lists the Water Treatment Plant phone number on its Water Department page. City of Midland

Timing tip (prevents headaches)

Michigan’s Public Service Commission renter utility tips recommend contacting utilities ahead of time when moving (their guidance mentions doing it in advance so you’re not billed past move-out and to avoid gaps in service). Michigan

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Pet fees and pet rent

If you have a pet, expect some combination of:

• Pet deposit (often refundable)
• Pet fee (often non-refundable)
• Monthly pet rent

Also expect questions/requirements like vet records, licensing, and sometimes restrictions (varies by home/owner).

Ask for clarity in writing:
“Is this a refundable pet deposit, a non-refundable pet fee, monthly pet rent, or a combination?”

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Move-in costs people forget

These are the “small” costs that can bust a budget:

• Renters insurance (often required before keys are released)
• Moving truck / movers
• Boxes, packing tape, basic tools
• Cleaning supplies
• Household essentials (shower curtain, trash bins, light bulbs, filters—depends on the home)

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Move-in cost calculator + examples

Copy/paste this into a note and plug in your numbers:

Move-In Total =
Deposit: ____

• Rent due at move-in (first month or prorated): ____
• Application fees: ____
• Admin/lease fee (if any): ____
• Utility setup deposits/fees: ____
• Pet costs (if any): ____
• Move-in extras (insurance, supplies, movers): ____
  = Estimated Move-In Total: ____

Example budgets (for planning)

These aren’t quotes—just realistic structures you’ll see:

Example A: No pets

• Deposit (often ~1 month rent, varies)
• Rent due at move-in (first month or prorated)
• Application/admin fees
• Utility setup (electric/gas + internet; possibly water/sewer depending on property)

Example B: With one pet

• Everything in Example A
  • pet fee/deposit
  • monthly pet rent

Example C: Higher-deposit situation

• Same categories, but deposit may be higher due to screening factors (varies by owner/lease policy)

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How to lower move-in costs

• Get the full cost breakdown upfront (deposit, rent due, all fees, pet costs, utilities responsibility list)
• Start utility transfers early (avoid service gaps)
• Choose your move-in date strategically (mid-month can reduce “rent due now” via proration, depending on how the lease is structured)
• Don’t skip renters insurance (it’s often required anyway—and it protects you)
• Do the move-in inspection thoroughly (protects your deposit)

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Protect your deposit

A move-in inspection is your best defense against unfair charges later. Even if the home is clean and looks great, document everything.

Move-in inspection checklist (quick version)

Take timestamped photos/video of:

• Floors (scratches, stains)
• Walls/trim (marks, holes)
• Appliances (inside oven, fridge shelves, dishwasher)
• Sinks/tubs/toilets (chips, leaks)
• Windows/blinds (cracks, missing slats)
• Doors/locks (damage, alignment)
• Any existing issues—no matter how minor

Best practice

• Submit your inspection notes in writing
• Keep a copy (email is perfect)
• Save your photo/video files somewhere you won’t lose them

➡️ Move-In Inspection Checklist

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“Ask this before you apply” checklist (screenshot this)

Before you spend money applying, ask:

• What is the total due at signing and total due at move-in?
• Is the deposit refundable, and what’s the refund timeline?
• What utilities do I pay (electric, gas, water/sewer, trash, internet)?
• Are there any admin/lease fees?
• If I have pets: is it a pet deposit, pet fee, pet rent, or all three?
• How do I submit the move-in inspection report, and by what deadline?

Copy/paste message you can send

“Hi! Before I apply, can you confirm the full move-in amount due (security deposit, rent due at move-in, application/admin fees, and any pet costs if applicable), plus which utilities I’m responsible for and how utility setup works for this property?”

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FAQ

How much money should I have saved to move into a rental in Midland, MI?
A common planning target is 2–3x one month’s rent, since deposit + rent due + utilities/fees can stack.

Is the security deposit refundable?
Often yes, depending on lease terms and move-out condition. Michigan also sets timelines for deposit return or itemized damage lists. Michigan Courts

What happens if I move in mid-month?
Many leases use prorated rent—you pay a partial month upfront and then pay your full amount on the regular due date.

What utilities do I need to set up in Midland?
It depends on the home, but electric/gas are commonly set up with a utility provider like Consumers Energy, and some properties require City of Midland water/sewer account activation. Consumers Energy

Are pet fees refundable?
Usually a pet deposit may be refundable, while a pet fee often is not. Always confirm which one you’re being charged.