My experience is a shared reality for many Americans in the USA. We desperately search for shelter, for a place to call home, are halted by the significant fees required just to apply for residential rentals. It's not just about filling out your info, it's about the money wasted on these fees especially when your application is not approved. Hundreds of dollars that most of us don't have down the drain.

Despite the fact that the average rental application fee ranges between $30-$50, more pricey cities can charge up to $100 or more (source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau). It is estimated that searching renters spend millions annually on application fees alone. For low-income renters, these fees pose serious financial barriers. People trying to secure a home shouldn't have to worry about whether they can afford to pay an application fee.

We ask our government and relevant agencies to enact regulations requiring all housing rental applications to be free of charge. This not only makes the process fair but also more accessible for all Americans, no matter their economic status. This change enables every applicant to stand on an even ground while applying for a new home, without the fear of monetary loss impeding their progress.

Your approval matters. Sign this petition and make housing more accessible for us all.