Expenses related to renting a home: a practical guide for students renting for the first time

If you are thinking about renting an apartment while you study, you are probably only looking at the monthly price. But rent is not just the monthly payment: there are various expenses associated with renting a home that can blow your budget without you seeing it coming.

In this guide designed specifically for students, we explain what you will actually pay, what is mandatory, and what you should negotiate.

And if after reading it you decide you prefer something simpler and more predictable, there are alternatives such as StepHouse, where many of these expenses are already included in a single monthly fee.

When you sign a contract, the first costs appear:

• Security deposit (usually 1 month)
• Current month
• Possible agency fees
• Drafting of the contract

Here the usual question arises:

Who pays the rental agreement?

If the owner is a company, they must bear the management and contract costs.
If it is an individual, it may depend on the agreement.

Many students are unaware of this and end up paying costs that could be avoided.

This is another of the most common searches: how much can I be charged for a rental agreement.

The answer depends on:

• If an agency is involved
• Type of owner
• Autonomous community
• Agreed terms

In some cases, the cost can be equivalent to one month's rent if there is real estate brokerage involved.

For a student on a tight budget, this initial expense can be decisive.

This is where many students get surprises.

In addition to the monthly rent, there may be:

These are the main housing rental expenses that you should add to the base price.

A €600 apartment can end up costing €750–800 per month.

That is why many students value residences where these costs are included, as is the case at StepHouse, which allows you to know exactly how much you will pay each month.

When talking about rental taxes or tax on renting an apartment, they usually affect the owner (income tax on rental income).

As a student tenant:

• You do not pay direct tax for renting
• You can benefit from regional tax deductions if you meet the requirements.

It is important not to confuse fiscal responsibilities.

Many students only compare the monthly price, but the real difference lies in the hidden costs.

In models such as StepHouse, economic predictability is a clear advantage.

1. Do not calculate supplies
2. Do not read who pays for the community
3. Do not check minimum duration
4. Do not review rent adjustment clauses
5. Do not consider exit costs

Knowing the expenses associated with renting a home gives you negotiating power.

Deposit, monthly rent, utilities, and possible agency fees.

It depends on the type of owner and the agreement signed.

May vary depending on agency intervention and current regulations.

You do not pay direct tax on the rent.

Renting for the first time may seem simple, but the expenses associated with renting a home can throw your budget off balance if you don't calculate them properly.

For many students, financial peace of mind and clarity on costs are key during their academic years. That's why alternatives such as StepHouse allow them to avoid surprises and focus on what matters: studying, enjoying themselves, and living the university experience without financial stress.