Description
Title: Approve an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 4-14 (Rental Property) to add a new Article 4 to require persons who rent dwellings or mobile home/recreational vehicle spaces to households to disclose certain fees during the leasing process; and creating an offense and establishing a penalty. Funding: This item has no fiscal impact.
Summary
The City of Austin's proposed ordinance amends City Code Chapter 4-14 to enhance fee disclosure requirements for rental housing. It mandates that landlords with five or more rental units provide prospective tenants with a written disclosure of all fees—mandatory, optional, and variable—before they apply for housing or make any payments. This aims to improve transparency in the rental process, allowing tenants to make informed decisions about housing costs. Advertisements must also clearly state base rent and mandatory fees. The ordinance introduces penalties for non-compliance, reinforcing accountability. The legislation seeks to protect tenants from hidden costs and foster fair rental practices, responding to community feedback gathered through extensive engagement efforts. The ordinance is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.