New Research Shows Limiting Landlord Fees Can Help Low-Income Renters Access Affordable Housing and Reduce Housing Instability
Laws limiting the fees that landlords can charge prospective tenants, also known as “junk fees,” are growing nationwide. New research from the National Low Income Housing Coalition suggests that the laws could help reduce future cases of homelessness by making it more affordable for low-income renters to seek new housing.
Junk fees include application fees, processing fees, pet fees, and other administrative-related fees that landlords charge their tenants. These fees can range from as little as $5 up to $100 in some cases and can make affordable housing units out of reach for the lowest-income households.
NLIHC analyzed the effectiveness of laws limiting junk fees in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Rhode Island’s laws primarily addressed application fees for prospective tenants, while Connecticut’s legislation included rental deposits, screening fees, and late fees.