HB 644 Summary

• Allows landlords or their agents to charge application screening fees to applicants (age 18+) whose income is used to qualify for residential rentals, covering costs of reference checks, tenant reports, and credit reports.

• Requires landlords to provide applicants, upon request, with a receipt for the application screening fee and an itemized breakdown of costs covered.

• Mandates landlords return any unused portion of the application screening fee to the applicant within 30 days after submitting screening requests.

• Requires the Office of Consumer Protection to produce informational materials and publicize rights and obligations related to application screening fees by May 1, 2024.

• Effective June 30, 3000 (with Section 2 taking effect May 1, 2024).