HOUSING APPLICATION FEES

Added new definitions for 'amenity', 'applicant', 'screening fee', 'substantial violation', and 'transient occupancy' to clarify what these terms mean under the law.

Modified screening fee rules to cap fees at $50, require written notice before charging, mandate return of fees if screening doesn't occur, and prohibit charging fees for unavailable units.

Reduced the late fee cap from 10% to 5% of rent and added requirements for owners to provide notice of late fees by the last day of the rental period following the default.

Added requirement for owners to disclose all rental costs and fees in published listings to applicants.

Modified fee increase notice requirements to provide 60 days notice for most increases and one rental period notice for short-term periodic residencies.

Expanded private remedies by allowing prevailing parties in lawsuits to recover attorney fees and court costs.

Added specific civil penalties for owners who charge unauthorized screening fees ($250 plus fee return) or violate other sections of the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (two times monthly rent).

Added new provisions to the Unfair Practices Act making it unlawful to charge unauthorized fees and requiring gender-neutral pricing without discrimination.