FTC Draws 471 Comments on Rental Fees as Nearly 400 Back Federal Rules
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 25
FTC Draws 471 Comments on Rental Fees as Nearly 400 Back Federal Rules
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 25
Summary
Nearly 400 of 471 public comments reviewed by the FTC backed regulation of rental housing junk fees or detailed harms, while more than 60 comments—mostly from trade groups—opposed new restrictions.
Renters and advocates said add-on charges raise housing costs and can trap tenants in eviction risk, with mandatory utility fees and charges added after advertised rent emerging as the most common complaints.
The push comes after FTC settlements with Invitation Homes for $48 million in 2024 and Greystar for $24 million in December, both centered on allegations that tenants were hit with undisclosed or unfair fees.
Property managers have expanded their reach across the market—professionally managed buildings increased their rental share by 47% over the past decade—while industry groups argue fees are necessary and all-in pricing could inflate listed rents.
The FTC is still reviewing comments on rules that could require total monthly price disclosures; 27 state attorneys general urged a federal baseline, but the agency's last junk-fee rulemaking took about 2.5 years.
As major landlords pay millions in settlements, what will it take to create truly transparent rental pricing nationwide?
Will new rental fee rules backfire by simply causing landlords to raise base rents for everyone?
Beyond fixed fees, how will regulators tackle the unpredictable utility charges that inflate monthly housing costs?
FTC’s “Total Price” Rule: How Federal Rental Fee Transparency Could Reshape Costs for 44 Million U.S. Renters by 2027
Overview
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is moving from case-by-case enforcement to a comprehensive federal framework that requires rental housing providers to advertise a 'total price' including all mandatory fees. This proposed rule aims to make rental costs clearer and more transparent by mandating early, consolidated disclosure of all fees, their purposes, and refund policies. The new standard will apply not only to landlords but also to technology providers like property management software and online platforms, who must update their systems to support these requirements. The FTC’s initiative targets deceptive practices and seeks to empower renters with accurate, upfront information.