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Policy & Practice

Increasingly, housing policy is being shaped at the state and local levels with the participation of private and philanthropic entities. These actors are looking for a trusted source of evidence-based insights to inform their decisions. Policy & Practice will provide these insights, drawn from the experiences of policymakers across the country, to aid in the development of state and local policy. The publication is geared at both practitioners and other private-sector partners, such as property owners, developers, and philanthropic partners. Each issue will feature a single policy area or topic. By highlighting the ways that state and local leaders are solving local housing and community development challenges, Policy & Practice advances HUD’s mission and priorities to promote affordable housing and strong communities.

Current Issue: Transparency in Rental Fees (July 2023)

As part of the housing search, prospective renters often pay application fees to be considered for available rental units. Application fees can limit options for renters and strain household budgets, particularly for renters with low and modest incomes who already face high rental cost burdens. These fees may be particularly burdensome in tight markets where renters often submit multiple applications as they compete for scarce units. In addition, the monthly rent included in a listing may not reflect the full cost if a landlord later requires the tenant to pay undisclosed or hidden fees. This issue of Policy & Practice provides an overview of the research on rental fees and highlights strategies to encourage transparency and fairness in the rental market. Read More >>