Austin’s City Council has implemented a new ordinance requiring landlords to disclose all fees associated with renting a property upfront. The move aims to increase transparency and help tenants make informed decisions about their housing costs.

Background

The ordinance, which was first proposed in 2024, will impact nearly 59% of Austin households that rent. Landlords will be required to provide itemized disclosures of all mandatory, optional, and variable fees in writing before a housing application is submitted or when providing a lease quote.

Violating the city’s new rental fee disclosure rules is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $500. The ordinance applies to landlords managing 50 or more housing units, with smaller landlords being phased in by January.

Reactions

Renter advocacy groups, such as Building and Strengthening Tenant Action (BASTA), have welcomed the new policy, stating that it will help level the playing field for tenants. However, some property managers have expressed concerns about the complexity of leasing and advertising systems, which may make it difficult to oversee the required disclosures.

Allen Vaughn, a North Austin property owner and Austin Apartment Association member, suggested that the implementation of the ordinance should be delayed until 2027 to allow for adequate lead time and to avoid creating confusion for renters.

Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.