{
  "name": "Rental Application Fee Limits by US State (as of 2026-07)",
  "publisher": "SealForms",
  "url": "https://sealforms.com/us/rental-application-fees/",
  "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "attribution": "SealForms — https://sealforms.com/us/rental-application-fees/ (CC BY 4.0)",
  "asOf": "2026-07",
  "dateModified": "2026-09-30",
  "columns": [
    "state",
    "rule",
    "value",
    "cite",
    "sourceUrl",
    "asOf",
    "note"
  ],
  "columnNotes": {
    "state": "US state or the District of Columbia.",
    "rule": "Which rule the row reports (described under \"rules\").",
    "value": "The rule as the study publishes it.",
    "cite": "The statute (or official rule) the value comes from — this is the authority.",
    "sourceUrl": "A link to read it. Not always the official site: some rows link a secondary copy or summary of the statute in \"cite\".",
    "asOf": "As-of year (or month) of the whole dataset, not a per-row verification date.",
    "note": "Qualifications the study page also shows."
  },
  "rules": {
    "application_fee": "Statewide rule on rental application / screening fees: banned, capped (with the cap), actual screening cost only, or no statewide cap."
  },
  "rows": [
    {
      "state": "Alabama",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "Ala. Code tit. 35-9A (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Alaska",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "AS 34.03 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#34.03",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Arizona",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "ARS §33-1321(B)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/33/01321.htm",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Fees not marked \"nonrefundable\" in writing are refundable."
    },
    {
      "state": "Arkansas",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "No state provision (Act 459 preempts local rules)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://arkleg.state.ar.us/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "California",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Capped: $30 per applicant, CPI-adjustable annually since 1998",
      "cite": "Civ. Code §1950.6",
      "sourceUrl": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CIV&sectionNum=1950.6",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "The landlord may raise the $30 cap each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (starting January 1, 1998), and the fee can never exceed the actual out-of-pocket screening cost. The statute publishes the mechanism, not the yearly figure."
    },
    {
      "state": "Colorado",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Actual screening cost only",
      "cite": "C.R.S. §38-12-903/904",
      "sourceUrl": "https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb19-1106",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Same fee for every applicant; unused portion refunded within 20 days."
    },
    {
      "state": "Connecticut",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Application fees are banned",
      "cite": "CGS §47a-4d",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_830.htm",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Application fees prohibited; only a screening-report fee ($50 + CPI, set by the Commissioner of Housing) is allowed. Many guides miscite this as §47a-4b — that section is commercial leases."
    },
    {
      "state": "Delaware",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Capped: greater of 10% of monthly rent or $50",
      "cite": "25 Del. C. §5514(d)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title25/c055/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "District of Columbia",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Capped: $54 in 2026 (CPI-adjusted $50 base)",
      "cite": "D.C. Code §42-3505.10(b)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3505.10",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Covers ALL screening costs; the Rental Housing Commission publishes the annual cap."
    },
    {
      "state": "Florida",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "Fla. Stat. ch. 83 (no provision); §83.425 preempts local caps",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/Chapter83/Part_II",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Condo associations: $150 cap under ch. 718."
    },
    {
      "state": "Georgia",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "No state provision",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.legis.ga.gov/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Hawaii",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Actual screening cost only",
      "cite": "HRS §521-46 (Act 200, eff. 5/1/2024)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/dcca-news-release-new-tenant-screening-fee-law-to-take-effect-on-may-1-2024/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Excess over actual cost refunded within 30 days."
    },
    {
      "state": "Idaho",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "No state provision",
      "sourceUrl": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Boise (local): lesser of actual cost or $30."
    },
    {
      "state": "Illinois",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Actual screening cost only",
      "cite": "765 ILCS 705 (PA 103-754, eff. 1/1/2025)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2201",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Actual out-of-pocket screening cost only; reusable screening reports accepted. Multiple legal databases converge, but ilga.gov was unreachable for direct verification — confirm before relying."
    },
    {
      "state": "Indiana",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "IC 32-31 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://iga.in.gov/laws/2025/ic/titles/32",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Iowa",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "Iowa Code ch. 562A (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/iowaCode",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Kansas",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "K.S.A. ch. 58 art. 25 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/ksa_ch58.html",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Kentucky",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "KRS 383 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://legislature.ky.gov/Law/Statutes/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "HB 295 (2026) proposes regulation — pending, not law."
    },
    {
      "state": "Louisiana",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "No state cap",
      "sourceUrl": "https://legis.la.gov/legis/Laws_Toc.aspx?folder=75&level=Parent",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Maine",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Actual screening cost only",
      "cite": "14 M.R.S. §6030-H",
      "sourceUrl": "https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/14/title14sec6030-H.html",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "One screening per 12 months; applicant gets a full copy of the report."
    },
    {
      "state": "Maryland",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "Md. Real Prop. §8-213",
      "sourceUrl": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=grp&section=8-213",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Fees over $25: unspent portion must be returned within 15 days (double damages if not). Landlords with ≤4 units at one location exempt."
    },
    {
      "state": "Massachusetts",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Application fees are banned",
      "cite": "M.G.L. c.186 §15B",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.mass.gov/doc/broker-fee-advisory/download",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Landlords may only collect first month, last month, security deposit and lock/key cost — no application fees."
    },
    {
      "state": "Michigan",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "No state provision",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "HB 4770 proposes a $50 cap — pending, not law."
    },
    {
      "state": "Minnesota",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "Minn. Stat. §504B.173",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/504B.173",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "No dollar cap, but fee must be refunded if no screening happens or the unit goes to someone else; $100 penalty."
    },
    {
      "state": "Mississippi",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "Miss. Code §89-8 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/title-89/chapter-8/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Missouri",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "Mo. Rev. Stat. ch. 441/535 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=441",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Montana",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "MCA §70-24 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://leg.mt.gov/bills/mca/title_0700/chapter_0240/parts_index.html",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Nebraska",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "No state provision (LB17 proposed, not enacted)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/browse-chapters.php?chapter=76",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Nevada",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "NRS 118A.306 (AB 121, eff. 10/1/2025)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-118A.html",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "No dollar cap, but refund is mandatory if no screening happens or the unit is rented to someone else; charging fees for minors prohibited."
    },
    {
      "state": "New Hampshire",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "RSA 540-A:3 (disclosure only)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/LV/540-A/540-A-mrg.htm",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "No cap verified; written disclosure duties apply."
    },
    {
      "state": "New Jersey",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Capped: $50 (eff. 5/1/2026)",
      "cite": "P.L.2025, c.405",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.njoag.gov/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Brand-new law most guides miss: covers \"similar fees\", CPI-adjusted, $1,000 penalty; 1-2 family owner-occupied exempt."
    },
    {
      "state": "New Mexico",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Capped: $50 screening fee (eff. 9/20/2025)",
      "cite": "UORRA §§47-8-19.2/19.3 (SB 267)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/25%20Regular/final/SB0267.pdf",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Other application fees prohibited; one fee per 90 days; refund if not processed."
    },
    {
      "state": "New York",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Capped: $20 (or actual cost, whichever is less)",
      "cite": "RPL §238-a",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/RPP/238-A",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "The application fee itself is banned; only background/credit cost up to $20 — waived if the applicant brings their own report ≤30 days old."
    },
    {
      "state": "North Carolina",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "N.C.G.S. ch. 42 (no app-fee provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.ncleg.gov/Laws/GeneralStatutes",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "North Dakota",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "NDCC 47-16 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t47c16.html",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Ohio",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "ORC 5321 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-5321",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Oklahoma",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "Okla. Stat. tit. 41 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://oksenate.gov/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Oregon",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Actual screening cost only",
      "cite": "ORS 90.295",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Average actual cost; one charge per 60 days; receipt required; refund if no screening."
    },
    {
      "state": "Pennsylvania",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "No state provision",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Philadelphia (local): lesser of $50 or actual cost (Bill 250045)."
    },
    {
      "state": "Rhode Island",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Application fees are banned",
      "cite": "R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-59 (eff. 1/1/2024)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/Statutes/TITLE34/34-18/34-18-59.htm",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Exception: actual cost of background/credit check if the applicant does not bring one ≤90 days old."
    },
    {
      "state": "South Carolina",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "S.C. Code §27-40 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "South Dakota",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "SDCL 43-32 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/43-32",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Tennessee",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "T.C.A. 66-28 (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.tn.gov/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Texas",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "Tex. Prop. Code §§92.351–.3515",
      "sourceUrl": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "No cap, but the fee must be refunded if the landlord did not give notice of selection criteria (§92.3515)."
    },
    {
      "state": "Utah",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "Utah Code 57-22 (HB 182, eff. 5/7/2025)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title57/Chapter22/57-22.html",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Written disclosure required before charging a fee."
    },
    {
      "state": "Vermont",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Application fees are banned",
      "cite": "9 V.S.A. §4456a (as amended 2025)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/09/137/04456a",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Total residential ban; landlords may not demand an SSN either."
    },
    {
      "state": "Virginia",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Capped: $50 ($32 in HUD/public housing)",
      "cite": "Va. Code §55.1-1203",
      "sourceUrl": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/section55.1-1203/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Actual third-party costs excluded; refundable portion returned within 20 days."
    },
    {
      "state": "Washington",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Actual screening cost only",
      "cite": "RCW 59.18.257",
      "sourceUrl": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18.257",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "No more than the customary screening cost in the area; prior written disclosure; $100 penalty."
    },
    {
      "state": "West Virginia",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "W. Va. Code ch. 37 (37-6A-1 only defines the term)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/37-6A-1/",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    },
    {
      "state": "Wisconsin",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "Capped: $25 (credit report cost)",
      "cite": "ATCP 134.05(4) + Wis. Stat. §704.085",
      "sourceUrl": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/atcp/134/05",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": "Applies to credit/background report costs; waived if the applicant brings a report <30 days old."
    },
    {
      "state": "Wyoming",
      "rule": "application_fee",
      "value": "No statewide cap",
      "cite": "W.S. 1-21-1201 et seq. (no provision)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf",
      "asOf": "2026-07",
      "note": ""
    }
  ]
}