Amends and adds to existing law to provide restrictions on the use of rental application fees and background check fees by landlords, property managers, and owners.

This bill requires that an application fee cannot be charged until the application is being considered and processed and there is either a rental unit available, or the applicant is first or second in line on a waiting list. The basis upon which an application is being considered when a unit is available must be disclosed in writing before an application is accepted. The bill provides that a maximum of 2 application fees can be charged at any one time and that each application must be separately considered. A violation of this statute is a violation of Idaho Code 6-320, that addresses violations in a landlord’s duties concerning repairs and security deposits. This section mandates that a claimant give 3 days’ written notice before any court action for damages or specific performance can occur.