End Junk Fees for Renters Act

The 'End Junk Fees for Renters Act' (HR4100) was introduced in the House on June 24, 2025, by Rep. Frost (D-FL-10) and 23 cosponsors. It was subsequently referred to the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Veterans' Affairs on the same day, and later to the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on December 19, 2025. This bill is in the early stages of the legislative process. This bill does not authorize or appropriate any direct funding. Instead, it proposes regulatory changes that would prohibit owners of covered dwelling units from assessing or collecting application fees and tenant screening fees. It also mandates that late fees be less than 3 percent of the monthly rent and only imposed after 15 days from the due date. Additionally, it requires landlords to disclose total monthly amounts, past litigation, and ongoing pest/maintenance issues before a lease is signed. The mechanism of impact is through direct regulation of landlord-tenant financial interactions. Structural losers under this bill would be landlords and property management companies that currently rely on application fees, tenant screening fees, and higher late fees as part of their revenue model. While no specific publicly traded companies are named in the bill, large real estate investment trusts (REITs) with significant residential rental portfolios could see a reduction in ancillary income. The bill's focus on 'covered dwelling units' suggests a broad application across the rental housing market. The competitive landscape for property management would shift, potentially favoring those who already operate with lower or no such fees. Given its early stage in the House (referred to subcommittee), the bill has a long legislative path ahead. A companion bill, S2148, has been introduced in the Senate, which indicates a coordinated effort to address this policy area. However, the bill's progress will depend on committee consideration and potential floor votes in both chambers.