White House targets junk fees in apartment rentals, promises anti-price gouging help

Renters should soon be able to expect more transparency on what they'll pay for their apartments, as some major online real-estate marketplaces agree to include hidden costs — like application and convenience fees — in their upfront advertised pricing. 

Companies including Zillow, Apartments.com and AffordableHousing.com have agreed to heed the administration's call for clarity about how many additional charges – sometimes adding hundreds in fees – renters will face when applying for and finalizing rental agreements. 

And once renters have secured apartments, the White House noted, they may be slapped with convenience fees for online rent payment, fees for sorting mail, or what the administration referred to in its fact sheet as "January fees" that are tacked on for no discernible reason beyond the fact of a new year.