Are landlords allowed to charge an application fee in accordance with Fair Housing Law?

Yes, in accordance with Fair Housing Law in the state of Florida, landlords are allowed to charge an application fee. However, the fee amount must be reasonable and should not exceed the cost of processing the application. Landlords must also be sure to charge the same fee to all prospective tenants for the same services and must provide an itemized receipt that details the amount requested and a description of any services received. Furthermore, landlords cannot require a fee for processing applications that discriminate against any protected class. This means that an application fee should not be deterring a person from applying for a rental based on their race, religion, family status, national origin, disability, or sex. It is illegal for a landlord to use the application fee to limit housing opportunities for a protected group. In addition, landlords must also put the fee amount in writing and may not ask for the money until after the potential tenant has seen the property and has agreed to rent it. Landlords are also prohibited from charging a separate fee for a credit check. Ultimately, Fair Housing Law in the state of Florida prohibits landlords from discriminating against prospective tenants. This means landlords must abide by the laws set forth and charge an application fee that is both reasonable and non-discriminatory.

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Are landlords allowed to charge an application fee in accordance with Fair Housing Law?

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