Community Fees and Refund Language

Nearly every assisted living community charges a one-time fee at move-in, separate from rent and separate from the security deposit. Families are often surprised by both its size and its terms.

What the community fee is

Also called an entrance fee, move-in fee, or administrative fee. It is commonly $2,000–$6,000 and is described as covering apartment preparation, assessment, and administrative setup. It is usually non-refundable once the resident moves in, and sometimes non-refundable as soon as it is paid.

Community fee vs. security deposit

These are different. The security deposit is normally refundable, less any damage or unpaid charges, on a stated timeline after move-out (often 30–60 days). The community fee is normally not refundable at all. Make sure the agreement labels each one clearly.

When the offer and the agreement disagree

A written offer sometimes states a reduced or waived community fee as an incentive. If the residency agreement then states the full amount with no mention of the waiver, that is a conflict to resolve in writing before signing — the signed agreement typically controls.

Refund language to read closely

Look for: the exact refund timeline, what can be deducted, whether a prorated month is refunded on move-out or death, and whether prepaid care or meal amounts are returned. "Prorated" and "no refund for partial months" are very different and both are common.

Deposits held against a future move-in

If you pay to hold an apartment before move-in, confirm whether that amount is applied to the first month, refundable if plans change, and for how long the hold lasts.

Related guides

• Assisted Living Hidden and Additional Fees — The charges that sit outside the advertised base rent.
• Move-Out and Discharge Terms — How the agreement ends — by your choice or theirs.
• Assisted Living Contract Checklist — What to read before you sign, section by section.