FTC and CFPB Seeking Comments on Tenant Screening Practices: Please Respond!

Industry News,

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are asking current tenants, prospective tenants, advocacy groups, commercial and individual landlords, property managers, background screening companies, other consumer reporting agencies, and other members of the public to weigh in on a wide array of issues that affect tenant screening. 

 https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FTC-2023-0024.

The FTC and CFPB are studying how background applicant screening impacts renters, and as part of their study, they are examining the use of criminal and housing (eviction) court records and tenant screening practices. The FTC and CFPB are seeking public comment on or before May 30, 2023. Owners and managers of residential rental propertyes are urged to voice your perspective.

The Biden Administration’s recently proposed “White House’s Blueprint for Renters Bill of Rights” has a stated goal to increase affordability and access to housing. As part of the “Blueprint,” the FTC and CFPB have jointly announced they will explore ways to expand the use of its authority under the FTC Act to take action against acts and practices that unfairly prevent consumers from obtaining and retaining housing. The Request for Information at the link above seeks to obtain data to assist in identifying these practices and the harms they cause to housing applicants and those renting for use in enforcement and policy actions.