The Biden administration says it has secured commitments from several major online rental platforms to be more transparent and provide consumers with the total upfront costs of rental properties, not just the rent.
Rental platforms Zillow, Apartments.com and AffordableHousing.com signed on to the initiative, which targets so-called “junk fees,” such as application and convenience fees and costs incurred by the lessor to conduct background checks. These costs are often inflated and can add up to more than $100 per application, according to the White House. The hidden fees can also make it difficult for prospective renters, who often apply for multiple units during their apartment search, to comparison shop.
