To settle into Morse Creek, set aside your first month's rent + a refundable deposit equal to one month + a $50 application fee for each adult. A spacious 2 bed example comes to roughly $2,450 upfront.
Figuring out your move-in cost for a two-bedroom in Columbus before you commit takes the guesswork out of the whole process. And honestly, the math here is not complicated. At Morse Creek Apartments you cover three straightforward upfront items: a $50 application fee for every adult, a security deposit that matches one month of rent, and your first month of rent. Nothing sneaky gets tacked on. Below we lay it all out with real sample budgets for our roomy 2-bedroom floor plans so you know precisely what to have saved before lease day.
The three upfront costs
Three things go into your budget. To start, a $50 application fee that is non-refundable and applies to each adult who is 18 or older. Next, a security deposit that equals one month of rent. Last, your first month's rent, which is paid before you get your keys.
That is everything. You will not run into a standalone move-in charge or admin charge here. Check the latest rents on our floor plans and pricing page so you can drop the real figures into the examples below.
Sample move-in budget
Here is how it shakes out in plain figures. For a 2 bed / 1 bath from $1,200: $1,200 for the first month, another $1,200 for the deposit, and the $50 application fee. All together that runs about $2,450 upfront for one adult.
For a townhome-style 2 bed / 1.5 bath starting at $1,300: $1,300 for the first month, a matching $1,300 deposit, and the $50 application fee. That comes to roughly $2,650 upfront. Keep in mind the $50 fee applies per adult, so if two people apply together you add another $50.
These are starting prices, so use the current rent for the actual unit you have your eye on. Your deposit always mirrors one month of rent, which means a higher rent brings a higher deposit. The $50 application fee, though, holds steady per adult no matter which floor plan you pick.
What you're NOT charged here
Plenty of communities stack on extra charges. We keep things upfront. There is no pet deposit, since Morse Creek does not permit dogs or cats. Service and assistance animals are accommodated as the law requires and are not considered pets.
You also will not see junk charges like surprise admin fees or move-in fees layered on top of the three costs above. The price you are quoted is the price you pay, so you can plan your budget without any eleventh-hour add-ons when you sign.
Your ongoing monthly bills
Once you are moved in, budget for a few monthly bills on top of rent. You cover electric, water and sewer, and your internet or cable. Trash is part of your rent, and there is a shared on-site laundry room, so a separate trash bill is not something you need to worry about.
To gauge your true monthly outlay, add rent to those utilities. For a fuller picture of what is covered versus what you pay, take a look at our guide to apartments with utilities included in Columbus.
How to save up for move-in
A simple savings routine makes the upfront number a lot less daunting. If you are aiming for about $2,450 on a 2 bed / 1 bath and you save across ten weeks, that works out to roughly $245 a week. Compress it to five weeks and it is closer to $490 a week.
Choose an amount you can realistically stick with and shift it into a separate account each payday. It is also smart to make sure you clear the income requirement first. Read our guide on the income needed to rent in Columbus before you begin setting money aside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the deposit refundable?
Yes, your security deposit is refundable. It matches one month of rent and comes back to you after you move out, less anything owed for unpaid rent or damage beyond ordinary wear. The $50 application fee is a separate item and is not refundable. Keep your unit in good condition and you should get the full deposit returned.
When is first month's rent due?
First month's rent is due before you move in, right alongside your security deposit. After your application clears, move-in usually happens within 48 to 72 hours. Have your first month and deposit lined up so nothing stalls your move at the last moment.
What payment methods are accepted?
Accepted payment methods can change, so check the current options with the leasing office ahead of move-in day. A lot of residents handle payments online through the resident portal. Ask which methods work for your deposit, first month's rent, and recurring payments so everything is squared away before you sign.
Can I hold a unit?
Whether a particular unit can be held comes down to availability and current policy, so it is best to ask the leasing office directly. Because move-in generally lands within 48 to 72 hours of approval, applying early and having your upfront costs ready is the surest way to lock in a two-bedroom.
Ready to map out your move? Come by Morse Creek Apartments, 2428 Morse Ravine Drive, Columbus, OH 43224, just off the Morse Road corridor, or reach our leasing office. You can also start your application online. Plan your move and see availability.
