Attorneys General Urge FTC to Curb Deceptive Rental Fees

Coalition of 26 state AGs call on federal agency to address unfair practices by corporate landlords

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:05pm

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A photorealistic painting of a multi-story apartment building in warm, golden sunlight, with deep shadows casting across the facade, conceptually representing the housing affordability crisis.The push by state AGs to rein in deceptive rental fees aims to make housing more accessible and affordable for struggling tenants.NYC Today

New York Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition of 25 other state attorneys general have called on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enact new rules addressing unfair and deceptive fee practices by corporate landlords that are making housing less affordable.

Why it matters

Rental costs have been rising rapidly across the country, putting housing out of reach for many Americans. This coalition of state AGs is seeking federal action to crack down on hidden 'junk fees' added by large property management companies, which further drive up the true cost of rent for tenants.

The details

In their letter to the FTC, the attorneys general cited a range of deceptive rental fee practices, including charging excessive administrative fees, requiring non-refundable move-in fees, and tacking on other surprise charges not disclosed upfront. They argued these hidden costs make it harder for renters, especially low-income families, to find and afford suitable housing.

  • The coalition of 26 state attorneys general sent their letter to the FTC on April 13, 2026.

The players

Letitia James

The Attorney General of New York who is leading the bipartisan coalition urging FTC action.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The federal agency that the coalition of state AGs is calling on to enact new rules to address deceptive rental fee practices by corporate landlords.

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What they’re saying

“Rent is already too high, but corporate landlords are adding hidden junk fees that make housing even less affordable.”

— Letitia James, New York Attorney General

What’s next

The FTC will now review the coalition's letter and determine if new federal rules are warranted to crack down on deceptive rental fee practices.

The takeaway

This bipartisan effort by state attorneys general highlights the growing affordability crisis in the rental housing market and the need for stronger consumer protections against predatory fees charged by large corporate landlords.