FTC, Colorado AG allege Greystar deceived renters with hidden fees

Greystar lawsuit overview:

• Who: The Federal Trade Commission and Colorado Attorney General’s Office filed a lawsuit against Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC.
• Why: The FTC and Colorado AG argue Greystar charged renters hidden fees that increased the cost of renting at its properties.
• Where: The Greystar rent lawsuit was filed in a Colorado federal court.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed a lawsuit against Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC over claims the company charged renters hidden fees. 

The FTC and Weiser claim Greystar, the largest apartment property manager in the U.S., used deceptive advertising to mislead renters into thinking they would pay lower monthly costs to lease an apartment than they ultimately did.

The lawsuit argues Greystar charged renters fees that were not included in the advertised rent price, including fees for services such as valet trash pickup, package delivery, pest control and technology services. 

“Greystar consistently omits various mandatory fees from the advertised price. Simply put, consumers cannot lease a Greystar-managed apartment by paying only the advertised price,” the Greystar lawsuit claims. 

The FTC and Colorado argue Greystar ultimately collected more than $100 million in hidden fees from renters in just four states over a three-year period.

Greystar ‘stifles’ prospective renters’ ability to choose unit that fits their budget, suit says

The Greystar rent lawsuit argues the alleged hidden fees make it difficult for a prospective renter to accurately compare the cost of renting apartments. 

“Greystar effectively stifles prospective tenants’ ability to choose a unit that will fit within their budget and accurately comparison shop between apartment listings,” the Greystar lawsuit says. 

The FTC and Colorado argue Greystar only discloses the full range of fees after the renter has already paid to apply for the apartment and received a lease agreement, leaving renters “on the hook” for hundreds or thousands of dollars more than they anticipated. 

The Greystar rent lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction to stop the company from continuing to charge hidden fees and monetary relief for renters who were harmed by its practices.

Greystar previously agreed to pay nearly $4.7 million in 2022 to resolve a class action lawsuit revolving around improper eviction and fee practices claims in North Carolina. 

Has Greystar misled you about renters fees? Let us know in the comments.

The Greystar lawsuit is Federal Trade Commission, et al. v. Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, et al., Case No. 1:25-cv-00165, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado.

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