Tenants across the United States may be paying far more in rent than they expected, and a major lawsuit is aiming to hold the country’s biggest landlord accountable. Federal regulators and the Colorado Attorney General’s Office have filed a lawsuit against Greystar Real Estate Partners, accusing the South Carolina-based property giant of misleading advertising practices and hidden fees that have allegedly cost renters billions over the years.
According to the lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Greystar consistently advertised apartments at deceptively low prices, only to tack on mandatory fees for services like pest control, trash removal, and access to community amenities. These charges, often undisclosed until after prospective tenants had paid nonrefundable application fees or signed leases, resulted in tenants being locked into contracts costing significantly more than they originally anticipated.
Attorney General Weiser didn’t mince words in his public statement, saying, “Because of Greystar’s deceptive advertising and hidden fees, tenants are on the hook in their lease for hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars more than they anticipated. That’s not just unfair—it’s illegal.” The lawsuit paints a picture of a systemic issue, in which renters were lured in by appealing price tags only to be hit with costs they never saw coming.
Greystar, which manages more than 800,000 rental units across the country—including student housing, luxury apartments, and senior living communities—has denied all allegations. In a strongly worded statement, the company said the lawsuit misrepresents both the facts and the industry standard. “No resident at a Greystar-managed community pays a fee they have not seen and agreed to in their lease,” the company said. “The FTC’s complaint targets a longstanding industry-wide practice of advertising base rent. The idea that this is done to hide fees is patently false.”
Despite that defense, Greystar appears to be quietly adjusting its approach. The company’s website now includes a pop-up disclaimer that warns visitors that all advertised rents represent “Base Rent” only and that additional charges may apply. The site also promises that Greystar will “soon” begin listing more transparent cost breakdowns on its rental listings.
The lawsuit could become a major milestone in how the rental industry is regulated going forward. While advertising base rent is standard practice in real estate, federal and state officials argue that failing to disclose mandatory fees up front crosses a legal line, especially when renters don’t find out until they’ve already sunk money into the leasing process.
A renter in Denver shared their story anonymously, describing how they applied for what they thought was a $1,400 apartment. After factoring in additional fees disclosed only after they signed the lease, their monthly rent shot up to $1,750. “That’s not what I budgeted for,” they said. “It felt like a bait and switch.”
The lawsuit further argues that this tactic harms not just individual renters but also distorts the market. By listing lower prices that don’t reflect the real monthly cost, companies like Greystar can undercut competitors who choose to advertise honest, all-inclusive pricing. This creates an uneven playing field and misleads consumers during their apartment search.
For housing rights advocates, the case is a long time coming. “Junk fees are out of control in every sector—housing is just one of the most painful examples,” said one consumer attorney. “Renters should not be treated like they’re navigating an airline ticket. They deserve upfront honesty, not hidden costs and fine print surprises.”
This legal action may also open the door for similar lawsuits across the rental industry. If regulators succeed in forcing Greystar to change its practices—or pay hefty fines—it could set a precedent requiring other property managers to adopt more transparent pricing models.
Adding further intrigue is the timing of the lawsuit, which was filed in the final days of the previous administration. Since President Donald Trump took office again, the FTC has experienced major shakeups, including the resignation of its chairwoman and attempts to remove two remaining Democratic commissioners. However, the commission has stood by the case, signaling its seriousness.
Greystar has pledged to challenge the lawsuit in court and says it will file a motion to dismiss. But housing experts say the company may face a tough road ahead. With increasing scrutiny over corporate fees and ongoing concerns about affordable housing, public sympathy may rest squarely with the tenants.
In the meantime, renters are being advised to ask pointed questions and demand fee breakdowns before applying or signing anything. “Don’t just look at the rent price,” said one tenant advocate. “Ask about what’s included, what’s not, and whether those so-called ‘amenities’ are optional or required.”
As the legal battle unfolds, its outcome could change how rent is advertised and negotiated nationwide. For now, the case serves as a wake-up call—and a reminder that the price you see may not be the price you get.
