Rising Rent and Fees: A Double Blow for Tenants

Landlords in Southern California and other areas are increasingly imposing additional fees on tenants, reminiscent of the nickel-and-diming tactics used by airlines. These fees, ranging from $5 to $10, cover services that were once included in the rent, such as trash pickup, pest control, mailbox use, and routine maintenance requests. Some landlords even charge fees for moving in and out or for "lease administration." These added fees come as rents have already risen by 25% since early 2021, putting further financial strain on tenants. Critics argue that these practices are unjustified and take advantage of the fact that people need a place to live.