Congressman Maxwell Frost and Senator Jeff Merkley Introduce Bicameral Pro Renters Bill, the End Junk Fees for Renters Act
Frost and Gomez First Introduced the Bill to Increase Affordability and Transparency for Renters in 2023
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) announced the introduction of bicameral legislation aimed at addressing the housing crisis and standing firmly with working-class renters – the End Junk Fees for Renters Act.
Frost’s bill, which is being co-led by Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) in the House, chair of the Congressional Renters Caucus, comes as Florida and the U.S. face a housing affordability crisis that continues to squeeze working people and renters, too often forcing people to slip into homelessness at a time when cities are criminalizing folks who cannot afford to keep a roof over their heads.
Congressmen Frost and Gomez first introduced the bill in July of 2023 to put an end to the growing number of excessive and dishonest junk fees renters face when looking for and securing housing.
The End Junk Fees for Renters Act cracks down on junk fee profiteering by landlords and empowers tenants. Specifically, the legislation:
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Cracks down on junk fees by banning application and screening fees;
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Puts an end to late fee profiteering by capping late fees at 3% of monthly rent and requiring a 15-day grace period;
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Requires that landlords disclose in the rental contract:
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Past and present litigation with tenants;
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Ongoing pest and maintenance issues;
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Rent increase percentages year after year over the last ten years and;
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The total amount due each month to effectively eliminate surprise fees.
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Would help consumers comparison shop and make more informed choices when it comes to renting, inevitably driving down overall costs in the rental market and improving living conditions.
“Donald Trump ran for office under the promise of making American’s lives more affordable – that was a flat-out lie. Six months in, and Trump and Congressional Republicans have proven they only care about the ultra-wealthy, the 1%. Because if they cared about working people, bills like the End Junk Fees for Renters Act would be voted on today to offer immediate and straightforward financial relief to renters,” said Congressman Maxwell Frost. “This is about standing firmly on the side of renters and working people while holding greedy landlords and leasing companies accountable for nickel and diming people every chance they get. It’s time to end the ridiculous fees and fight for housing justice and transparency.”
“Billionaire corporations and huge rental companies are hiding fees and added costs to drive up rents and line their own pockets,” said Senator Merkley. “The End Junk Fees for Renters Act fights back against corporate landlords trying to squeeze every dime out of renters that they possibly can. Let’s crack down on these junk fees to ensure all Americans have a fair shot at a safe, affordable roof overhead and the power to fight back against absurd costs.”
“At a time when Donald Trump and Republicans are stripping away benefits from millions of Americans, households that rent have enough to worry about without being weighed down by hidden application costs and junk late fees. This bill will restore faith and transparency to the renting process by putting an end to the profiteering of predatory landlords and property managers,” said Congressman Jimmy Gomez. “In my district, where up to 80% of households rent, this bill will lift an unnecessary financial burden and help working families build real stability.”
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