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Presenter warns landlords to document screening fees and avoid discriminatory practices
Summary
The presenter said screening fees may be charged up to the vendor cost, require itemized receipts, and cannot be charged if no unit is available; consistent screening prevents discrimination claims.
Presenter told attendees that landlords can charge screening fees only to the extent of the vendor’s out-of-pocket cost and must provide an itemized receipt to the applicant. "You gotta provide them your itemized receipt," the Presenter said, noting that charging a screening fee when no unit is available is impermissible.
He emphasized consistent application of screening criteria to reduce fair-housing risk: applying different credit or application standards across applicants can invite discrimination claims. The Presenter recommended using third-party vendors and maintaining records to show consistent practice.
