Can I charge extra fees for the background and credit checks?
In California, California Civil Code section 1950.6 limits the fee owners may charge a prospective tenant to cover the costs of screenings. The fee cannot be more than the actual out-of-pocket costs of gathering information on the applicant. As of January 2010*, the maximum fee a landlord may charge an applicant is $41.72. The fees in your state may differ. Please check with your attorney regarding local laws and regulations. *Allowable cost is adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index.
