Invitation Homes to Pay $48M FTC Settlement for Deceptive Practices
The nation's largest single-family landlord misled tenants with hidden fees, unfair evictions, and withheld security deposits.
- Invitation Homes charged renters undisclosed 'junk fees' for services like smart home technology and utility management, adding up to $1,700 annually.
- The company systematically withheld security deposits, often charging tenants for pre-existing damages and normal wear and tear.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, Invitation Homes misled tenants about eviction protections and unfairly pursued evictions, even after tenants had moved out.
- The FTC's settlement requires Invitation Homes to refund $48 million to affected renters and mandates changes in their business practices, including transparent fee disclosures.
- The agreement, pending federal court approval, also prohibits the company from withholding security deposits for damages not caused by tenants.