Biden says the FTC’s proposed ban on junk fees will help families and ‘honest’ businesses

By JOSH BOAK
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Apartment Association says President Joe Biden’s proposed rule to ban hidden and bogus junk fees could end up increasing the cost of rental housing. The association’s CEO says policymakers should understand that layering additional regulations will “harm the affordability and availability of rental housing,” hurting the people they seek to protect. Biden says the Federal Trade Commission’s junk fee ban proposed Wednesday will help families and “honest” businesses by unmasking the total cost of concert tickets, hotel rooms and utility bills. The Democratic president has made the removal of junk fees a priority. Biden administration officials says the additional costs can mislead people and waste their time.