how many months rent is deposit?

Ehhh, 1 or 1 and a half usually, at least that is what I've encountered in the area.

Planning for more than that is never a bad thing though.

2, first and last. although first is kind of unfair to count as "one" because you'd have to pay that during the normal cycle either way.

in addition there may be a brokers fee (if you used a broker, typically 10-15% of one year's rent) and paperwork fees (~500)

isn't it 1st, last, and sec. deposit=1month rent usually? so 3...

Thanks. Paying 3 months would severely blow

I have generally seen 1.

So is this just security deposit or all in upfront costs?

Usually the deposit is either one month's rent or first and last month's rent depending on the company. I have NEVER heard of a place requiring first, last AND a security deposit.