FTC Proposed Rule on “Junk Fees” That are Inflating Rental Prices

On March 12, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM), requesting public comment on a proposed new rule that would impact landlords and property managers nationwide. 

The FTC is considering making a new rule about rental fees and is requesting feedback on this proposed regulation. An ANPRM is the first step the FTC takes when considering a new rule. It has two main goals: (1) to provide public notice that a new rule is being considered; and (2) to request feedback and gather more data about the impacts the regulation would have. 

Here’s an overview of the proposed rule, a look at the impact it would have on landlords, and instructions on how you can weigh in until April 13, 2026. 

What Is the FTC’s Proposed Rental Fee Rule for Landlords?

The basic purpose of the proposed rule is to target “junk fees” that are inflating rental prices. The concern is that advertised rental prices aren’t consistently reflecting the actual fees to tenants. This creates two clear problems: 

1. Renters face unexpected costs and cannot accurately assess the affordability of a rental property. 
2. Landlords who are transparent about costs are at a disadvantage and face unfair competition from landlords who do not disclose all mandatory fees. 

With this issue in mind, the FTC is requesting feedback on rental fee practices throughout the rental lifecycle, including whether or not: 

• Landlords and property managers are disclosing all mandatory fees.
• Landlords should be required to disclose “all-in pricing” upfront.
• Renters receive adequate fee disclosures, including the amount of each fee and whether the fees are refundable, mandatory, and/or recurring.
• Application fees cover actual costs by landlords, are excessive, and/or are held unfairly.

Some of the property management fees that the proposed rule is focused on are: 

• Administrative fees
• Amenity fees 
• Screening and application fees 
• Move-in/move-out fees 

How the FTC’s Proposed Rental Fee Rule Could Affect Landlords and Property Managers 

It’s important to note that at this stage in the process, there isn’t a proposed draft of the regulation. This means it’s not clear how broad the rule would be or what property management systems it would cover. 

That said, based on prior regulations and the summary included in the ANPRM, it’s likely that the rule would require: 

• An all-in rent disclosure upfront (including all required fees) 
• Clear fee disclosures in rental ads and listings 
• Standardized descriptions of rental fees 
• Limits on duplicative or deceptive fees

While those are the basics that would likely be included, it’s possible the rule would be broader and would: 

• Establish federal restrictions on application fees 
• Set new regulations for listing platforms and property management software 
• Put nationwide restrictions on specific types of rental fees 

Whatever the language of the rule, it would impact landlords and property managers across the country. In addition, it would likely apply to all phases of the rental lifecycle, from listings and marketing to monthly rent fees and move-out charges. 

It would set a national standard for rental fee disclosures and transparency and would give the FTC broad enforcement powers to address deceptive or fraudulent practices.

How Can Landlords Participate in the Public Comment Period on the Proposed Rule on Rental Fees 

The FTC is requesting and encouraging feedback from landlords and property managers. Public comment is key for understanding the impact a rule change would have, including unintended consequences that could negatively impact landlords or tenants. 

Here’s how to get involved: 

1. Go to the Proposed Rule page at Regulations.gov, which you can access here: Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Rental Housing Fee Practices. 
2. Review the summary, which provides an in-depth look at the issue and proposed rule. 
3. Click “comment” in the top left to provide your feedback. You can type a comment and/or upload files. 

Here are some best practices for participating in this process: 

• Provide real-life and practical examples of how the rule change would impact rental processes 
• Address any unintended consequences the rule change could have 
• Don’t include sensitive personal information
• Be specific and provide actual examples from your rental business 

Get Involved & Stay Up to Date on Rental Trends 

Landlords currently have an opportunity to impact whether a new rental fee rule is issued, what the rule would cover, and how broad its application would be. Please take a moment to share any comments you have so that any new rules are drafted in a way that will have a positive impact on rental practices. 

Questions about your rental business? Contact our Support Team or visit our Articles Page for updated landlord-tenant laws and news.  

Frequently Asked Questions By Landlords About Proposed FTC Rule on Rental Fees

What is the FTC’s proposed rental fee rule? 

The proposed rental fee rule targets “junk fees” that inflate rental prices. The concern is that landlords or property managers are advertising rental prices at one rate but not including required fees. The result is that the actual rental price is higher than advertised. This makes it hard for tenants to find affordable rental units and creates unfair competition for landlords who are transparent about fees. 

Does the FTC rental fee proposal apply to all landlords? 

Yes, the proposed rental fee rule would be a federal regulation that applies to all landlords. 

What fees could be affected by the proposed FTC rental fee? 

The rental fee rule could require landlords to advertise an “all-in” rental fee upfront. It could also impact administrative fees, screening and application fees, bundled utility fees, amenity fees, and move-in/move-out charges. 

How can landlords submit a public comment? 

Landlords can submit a public comment by going to Regulations.gov and searching for Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Rental Housing Fee Practices. Click the “comment” button and type a comment or upload a file. 

When is the deadline to comment? 

The comment period deadline is April 13, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Landlords have until April 13 to enter any comments or provide any feedback they have on the proposed FTC rule on rental fees.