F
TC warns 13 property‑management software firms that their technology may hide mandatory fees, potentially violating consumer‑protection laws. On Dec. 9, the agency sent letters to the firms, noting that software can prevent owners and managers from displaying all required charges on rental listings. The letters, signed by Christopher Mufarrige, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, state that the agency is monitoring the market for deceptive or unfair practices and will act if necessary. While the letters do not accuse any firm of wrongdoing, they urge a full review of practices to ensure compliance. Mufarrige said the FTC is “committed to rooting out anticompetitive, unfair, and deceptive acts or practices in the rental housing market” and that accurate, non‑deceptive information is essential for price competition.

    The FTC did not disclose the names of the 13 recipients, so the list remains unknown. Real Estate News has requested the list via a Freedom‑of‑Information Act request.

    The agency’s crackdown is part of a broader federal push against pricing opacity in the rental market. Earlier this year, Greystar agreed to pay $23 million to the FTC and $1 million to Colorado over deceptive pricing claims. RealPage settled an antitrust lawsuit with the DOJ last month over its multifamily rental‑software practices. Invitation Homes also paid $48 million to the FTC to resolve allegations of “junk fees,” substandard housing, and unlawful evictions.

    These actions underscore the FTC’s focus on ensuring that rental listings present complete, accurate pricing so consumers can make informed decisions.