when moving to a new rental, you'll likely need to pay a security deposit. how much is this often?

When moving to a new rental, the security deposit amount is often equivalent to one to two months' rent , but this can vary depending on state laws, the rental market, property type, and landlord policies. In many states, one month's rent is the common amount, but in high-demand or luxury markets, deposits can be as high as two or even three months' rent. Some places also have legal caps on how much can be charged. For example, in New York, landlords can charge up to one month's rent for unfurnished apartments and up to two months' rent for furnished ones. Additional factors influencing the deposit amount include tenant credit history, pet ownership (which might require extra deposits), and amenities provided by the rental. It's important to confirm the exact amount with the landlord before moving, as deposits can also be a fixed flat rate in some cases. Overall, most renters should expect to pay about one month's rent upfront as a security deposit when moving into a new rental, with variations depending on location and specific circumstances.