The rate you see on a floorplan page is usually the base rent. It’s the starting point, not the full picture. At Rambler, we want you to know what you’ll pay before you sign. In this article, we’ll break down base rent versus total monthly leasing price and show you how to compare student housing options without guesswork.
What Is Base Rent?
Base rent is the monthly price of your bed space. At Rambler, it’s billed as one of 12 monthly installments on an individual lease, so you’re only responsible for your own share.
A few things affect your base rent:
- Floorplan type (studio, 2×2, 4×4 and so on)
- Bedroom and bathroom setup, like an en-suite bathroom
- Room type within the unit
- Double occupancy, where available
- Lease timing, since rates often rise as more beds are leased
At Rambler, some of these features carry a monthly unit premium that’s built into your installment. Premiums range from $20 for a bedroom TV to $125 for a corner bedroom, with balconies at $100, larger bedrooms and windows at $50, and ensuite bathrooms at $25 to $50.
At Rambler, your installment already covers a lot. Premium Wi-Fi, full furniture, a full-size washer and dryer, and a wall-mounted smart TV are all included.
Read Next: Monthly Installments vs. Rent Payments
What Is Total Monthly Leasing Price?
Total monthly leasing price is your base rent plus every fixed, required monthly fee. It’s the predictable number you’ll see on your statement each month. It leaves out usage-based charges and one-time fees you pay at application or move-in.
At Rambler, charges that count toward your total monthly leasing price include:
- Your monthly installment
- Trash fee ($5/month)
- Risk Mitigation Program ($15/month), unless you provide proof of qualifying third-party renter’s insurance
- Rent reporting ($8.95/month), unless you opt out
- Double occupancy fee ($200/month), if you choose double occupancy
- Homebody Guaranty ($80/month), if you enroll instead of using a guarantor
Charges that are not part of your total monthly leasing price include:
- Utilities like electricity, water and wastewater, which are submetered and billed separately based on usage
- Optional add-ons, like parking
- Pet rent
- One-time fees, like the application fee, admin fee and security deposit
- The utility admin fee
Read Next: Fees at Rambler: Full Breakdown of Monthly and One-Time Costs
Why Total Monthly Leasing Price Matters More Than Base Rent
A lower base rent doesn’t always mean a lower bill. Some West Campus properties bundle Wi-Fi, furniture and utilities into one rate. Others list a low base rent and charge for each item separately. Comparing total monthly leasing price is the only way to see which option actually fits your budget.
Here’s a quick way to compare. For each property on your list, add up the monthly installment and every required monthly fee. Then estimate utilities on top. At Rambler, utilities typically run around $15 to $40 per person, per month, depending on your floorplan and usage.
Read Next: How Much Do Utilities Cost at a West Campus Apartment?
If you have a guarantor or parent helping with costs, share the total monthly number with them. It’s the figure you’ll both be planning around.
Know What You’ll Pay Before You Sign
Nobody likes surprise fees, especially on a student budget. Before you sign anywhere, ask for a full breakdown of monthly charges and look for the total, not just the base rent.
Ready to see your options? Browse Rambler floorplans, review our full fee disclosure or contact our leasing team with any questions.
All listed rates current as of 10/2026. All rates are subject to change.
