The Biden-Harris administration announced new actions to “crack down on junk fees” in rental housing. The Administration defines rental housing junk fees as “rental application fees” to “surprise ‘convenience fees’ to pay rent online, fees for things like mail sorting and trash collection, and even so-called ‘January fees’ charged for no clear reason at the beginning of a new calendar year.”
The new actions follow an open call issued by HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge for rental housing providers to create a fairer and more transparent rental market. In response, Zillow, Apartments.com and AffordableHousing.com have each announced new steps to provide information about fees for tenants before they sign a lease.
