Senate committee hears bill to require landlords to disclose rental 'junk fees'

Senator Jackson, sponsor of Senate Bill 251, told the Senate Economic Development Committee that the bill would require landlords to disclose fees that currently can be hidden from prospective renters.

The measure would require that total rent and any mandatory recurring charges — for example, trash service or required third‑party payment surcharges — be disclosed “clearly and conspicuously,” and that fees that are mandatory to live at the property be included in the advertised rent rather than listed separately.

Supporters said the bill targets so‑called “junk fees” that can raise advertised rents substantially and unexpectedly. “We're not talking about [pet fees],” Senator Jackson said. “We're talking about administrative fees, processing fees for paying your rent when the landlord insists that you have to use a particular third party payer ... then there's a surcharge on top of that.” She said the bill leaves room for legitimate charges to exist but requires those charges to be presented up front so renters are not “caught off…