Tenants are being charged eviction fees even if they don't get evicted

Tenants are increasingly facing significant and often unapproved fees from landlords, particularly in eviction contexts. In one case, Karen Ransome of Jacksonville was charged $1,027 in purported eviction-related fees by Progress Residential, even though no eviction case was filed. This prompted Ransome to sue, arguing that the landlord violated consumer protection laws. The issue raises questions about the legality and morality of such fees, as tenants are challenged to defend against additional charges while struggling to maintain housing stability amidst potential evictions.

Last year, Ransome sued Progress over the attorneys' fees, alleging the landlord violated the state's consumer collection practices act.

In reality, though, there was nothing to dismiss. Progress had not filed an eviction case against Ransome, and no judge approved the $1,027 in eviction-related fees.

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