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Bill to require refunds of denied rental application fees draws support from students, cities and landlords oppose changes
Summary
HB 311 would require landlords or managers to refund application fees to unsuccessful applicants; student groups, the city of Bozeman and housing advocates supported the proposal while landlord groups and property managers warned it may be cumbersome and suggested a study instead.
Representative Kelly Kortum, sponsor of House Bill 311, told the Senate Business and Labor Committee the bill would require landlords or managers to refund application fees to applicants who do not receive an apartment, arguing the practice imposes a heavy cost on renters who typically apply to multiple units in competitive markets.
Kortum said an apartment listing can generate many applications and that multiple nonrefunded fees can leave applicants — including students and low‑income renters — with significant expenses that reduce their ability to cover security…
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