Rental application fees add up fast in a tight market. But limiting them is tough

James Lopez stands in front of an Amazon building he helped construct in Washington state. Lopez has suspended a months-long housing search because his family can't afford to keep paying hundreds of dollars in rental application fees. (Courtesy of James Lopez)

Sky-high rents and a severe housing shortage are a challenge for would-be renters across the U.S. But for many, the first barrier to finding affordable housing has become the rental application fee.

James Lopez of Spokane, Wash., had to suspend a months-long housing search because he simply can't afford to keep applying to more places.