Bill > H0701

This bill aims to limit rental application fees by establishing new rules for property owners and managers in Idaho. Specifically, it prevents them from charging fees to more than two households per rental unit at the same time, and only allows fees if the unit is available now or soon, or if the applicant agrees to a waiting list. Before accepting a fee, landlords must also clearly explain what they will look for when screening applicants and must complete that screening process. Fees can only be charged to individuals within a household who need a criminal history and background check, and these fees must be reasonably related to the actual costs of screening and processing the application. The bill also clarifies that if the first applicant is denied, a fee can be charged to the next applicant, as long as no more than two households are being charged concurrently. This legislation is intended to prevent applicants from being charged fees for properties they are unlikely to get and will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Business and Industry

Business Committee (House)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2026/legislation/H0701/