Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Rental Housing Fee Practices

The Federal Trade Commission ("Commission") proposes to commence a rulemaking proceeding to address unfair or deceptive acts or practices relating to advertised rent and other fees and charges in the rental housing industry. To assist the Commission in determining the existence and prevalence of any such potentially unfair or deceptive practices and exploring ways to address them, the Commission is soliciting written comment, including data and argument, concerning such fees and charges throughout a lease lifecycle, from application to move out. The Commission is soliciting such public comment to determine the need for a rule to prevent persons, entities, and organizations from engaging in unfair or deceptive practices in connection with rental housing fees and charges, such as advertising rent that fails to include all mandatory fees or charges, imposing fees and charges without express informed consent, and misleading consumers about the nature and purpose of fees or charges.