An admin fee is a one-time charge set by some landlords and property managers. It is not a Uniplaces fee — it is paid directly to your landlord and never processed through the Uniplaces platform.
What is the admin fee?
The admin fee is a charge set by the landlord or property manager only on certain listings. It covers the administrative work involved in setting up your tenancy, which may include preparing and processing your rental contract, reviewing and processing required documentation, registering the tenancy where applicable, and coordinating your move-in. The exact services covered depend on the property and location.
Not every listing has an admin fee. The landlord or property manager sets it and applies it at their discretion. When applicable, it is clearly shown on the listing page before you send a booking request — so you always know the full cost upfront.
Uniplaces does not charge, collect, or receive the admin fee. It is paid by you directly to your landlord. This is different from the Uniplaces service fee, which applies to every booking and is paid to Uniplaces at checkout.
How much is the admin fee?
The admin fee varies by listing and is set independently by each landlord or property manager. You can find the exact admin fee amount on the listing page, in the Services and Expenses section. If no admin fee is listed, none applies to that property.
When and how do I pay it?
The admin fee is paid directly to your landlord, normally on your move-in day. It is not included in your Uniplaces checkout payment.
Your landlord will confirm the amount and the payment method with you before move-in.
Is it safe to pay?
Yes — paying an admin fee directly to your landlord is normal and expected, as long as it was disclosed upfront.
Always get written confirmation of the admin fee amount before you book. It should be clearly stated in the listing’s Services and Expenses section and in your booking confirmation email.
If a landlord requests an admin fee that wasn’t disclosed in the listing, contact the Uniplaces support team before making any payment. All admin fees should be transparent and agreed upfront.
What does the admin fee cover?
The admin fee covers the administrative work your landlord carries out to set up your tenancy. Depending on the property and country, this may include:
- Application processing — reviewing the tenant’s application and documentation.
- Tenant screening — identity, income, references, credit/background checks where applicable.
- Lease preparation — drafting, completing and processing the rental agreement.
- Document processing — collecting and checking tenant/guarantor documentation and signatures where applicable.
- Tenant/account setup — creating the tenancy in the property-management system.
- Inventory/check-in documentation — preparing or recording the property’s condition at move-in.
- Initial communication and coordination — coordinating between landlord, tenant and building/property management to get the tenancy started.
Cleaning is not part of the admin fee. If a property charges for cleaning, it appears separately as a Cleaning Fee on the listing page.
Is the admin fee refundable?
The admin fee is generally non-refundable.
Because the admin fee is paid directly to your landlord and never passes through Uniplaces, any refund is a matter between you and your landlord. Check the listing’s cancellation policy and rental conditions before booking to understand what is and isn’t refundable in your case.
Frequently asked questions
Is the admin fee the same as the Uniplaces service fee?
No — they are two separate charges, paid to two different parties. The Uniplaces service fee applies to every booking and is paid to Uniplaces at checkout. The admin fee is set by the landlord, applies only to certain listings, and is paid directly to the landlord.
Does Uniplaces receive any part of the admin fee?
No. Uniplaces does not set, collect, or receive the admin fee. The full amount goes to your landlord or property manager.
Can I negotiate the admin fee with the landlord?
Admin fees are set by landlords and displayed on the listing — they are not typically negotiable. If you have a question about a specific fee, you can contact Uniplaces support before booking, and they can clarify what it covers.
What if I’m asked for an admin fee that wasn’t shown on the listing?
The admin fee should be clearly stated in the listing’s Services and Expenses section. If a landlord asks you for an admin fee that wasn’t shown there, contact the Uniplaces support team before making any payment.
Does the admin fee apply to Instant Booking listings?
It can — some Instant Booking listings include an admin fee. The fee is always shown on the listing page before you book, regardless of the booking type. Check the Services and Expenses section on the listing page before proceeding.
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