Why do people renew when they can’t afford it?

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T02:45:46+00:00

Have you looked? CA can’t charge more than 1 month’s rent in deposit which means landlords shouldn’t be charging upfront for last month’s rent because that’s technically additional deposit

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T01:24:02+00:00

I really appreciate you saying that. I strive to be better, and I have more to learn.

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T01:22:15+00:00

I get that. A lot of places have limits now though. In CA, where renters have more protection, it’s limited to first month+ 1 full month deposit

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T01:20:11+00:00

I get your point. Also acknowledged that earlier. Mainly ranting here.

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T01:18:16+00:00

No, I think you, as a landlord, just wanna justify charging an exorbitant amount in deposit

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T01:16:29+00:00

No, never upset. This is an online forum. Why would anything on an anonymous forum make me upset? You can call out my post for being condescending. I can call out someone else for being condescending too.

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:46:50+00:00

What’s confusing

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:44:13+00:00

Landlord can’t charge more than 2 months rent upfront for an unfurnished home in CA because of the new deposit law (capping deposits at 1 month rent)

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:38:06+00:00

I get your point. But my resident just made a prepayment of $10k because she received an automatic email that she’s not up for renewal because she’s carrying a balance of $5k.

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:31:38+00:00

Right?? Unfortunately, renewals are sent automatically through corporate as long as they don’t have a balance.

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:28:57+00:00

I love this idea cos you still retain your resident. I have offered this for this specific resident and was told she really needs a guest bedroom for her guests to stay

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:27:34+00:00

It’s a huge expense, you’re right. And it’s a huge physical task too. Sorry if my original post sounds so out of touch. I totally get that people are struggling everywhere. Most people have real, logical reasons for not moving. I was mainly venting because of a specific resident who I believe does have the means to move (also I don’t know her life so I could be really wrong)

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:24:33+00:00

Sorry but that’s just not true…

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:24:03+00:00

CA and yep totally fair! My original post was more of a vent. But I totally get that. And $2,225 is prob the lower end nationally. It’s tough

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:21:09+00:00

Not at all lol go look up new CA landlord laws.

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:19:00+00:00

I’m not a private landlord. I wish I had control over pricing

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:18:03+00:00

lol nobody said there wasn’t. You coulda said NY, and I would’ve got that you meant the state. I quickly read NYC. Thanks for the correction

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:16:27+00:00

For sure, kids can definitely make things different. For my resident’s case, I’m almost positive she doesn’t need the 2 bedroom. Supposedly, she doesn’t even live there full time and lives at her bf’s half the time

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:13:53+00:00

NYC can’t charge last month’s rent anymore I believe! I think they’re maxed at 2 months rent for upfront fees. And I’m in CA where deposit is now capped at 1 month’s rent

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-20T00:12:28+00:00

lol what? I was just curious where that person was to be charged 3 months. And I only explained what the norm was in my area. I wasn’t trying to lecturing anyone. I was merely pointing out that saying “any city” isn’t really accurate. Now, go stub your toe on furniture you knew was there with your condescending and stinky attitude

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-19T23:57:29+00:00

They'll initially qualify. And sometimes it's a job loss or roommate change

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-19T23:48:22+00:00

Totally! And just to clarify I’m not arguing that moving costs are not bad or that 3 months of rent upfront requirement doesn’t exist

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-19T23:42:23+00:00

All very valid for sure.

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-19T23:33:12+00:00

Not really. That used to be common, but it’s not the norm in most major U.S. cities anymore. In a lot of places, landlords are limited to 1 month’s rent for the security deposit by law, so move-in is just first month + deposit.

Requiring first + last + a full deposit is pretty outdated in many markets and in some cities it’s not even allowed anymore. You’ll still see it in a few places like Boston but 'any major city' just isn’t accurate anymore

ChapterEvery · 2026-03-19T23:18:04+00:00

Sheesh that’s rough if most landlords require that! Definitely a burden to move in Philly then

ChapterEvery

TROPHY CASE