Gallego Urges FTC to Investigate Predatory, Anticompetitive Practices Targeting Renters

Gallego Urges FTC to Investigate Predatory, Anticompetitive Practices Targeting Renters

Letter builds on Gallego's work to address Arizona's housing crisis and do away with burdensome, hidden fees

PHOENIX - Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03)sent a letter to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan urging the Commission to take action against predatory and deceptive practices used by corporate landlords against Arizona families.

"The ambiguous, hidden fees that some Arizona renters face can create a serious financial burden, particularly for families, seniors, and Arizonans with disabilities. This constitutes a serious misrepresentation of the sticker price of a rental agreement," Rep. Gallego wrote. "Bad actors also harm legitimate, law-abiding property owners who are at a competitive disadvantage for honoring rental agreements and who also charge a legitimate rental price instead of nickel and diming tenants down the road."

The letter follows one Rep. Gallego sent earlier this year, calling for an investigation into the anticompetitive practices of the rent-pricing company RealPage. A few months later, the Department of Justice sued RealPage.

"As a Capitalist who believes that free markets and innovation are what is best for Arizona's future, we cannot have a system where legitimate businesses and entrepreneurs feel they must bend or break the rules to succeed," he concludes. "Therefore, I call on the FTC to investigate and, where appropriate, take action to protect Arizona renters. I appreciate your commitment to our shared goal of a competitive, fair rental market."

Full text of the letter can be found HERE.