To combat exploitative business practices, New York City has implemented sweeping new consumer protections aimed at eliminating hidden junk fees and subscription traps. These measures, championed by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, mandate transparent, all-in pricing for goods and services, ensuring consumers know the full cost upfront. Furthermore, a new “Click to Cancel” rule guarantees that subscriptions can be canceled as easily as they are initiated, empowering New Yorkers to stop paying for unwanted services. These initiatives represent a significant step in protecting consumers and promoting economic fairness across the city.
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New York City is implementing a new regulation prohibiting companies from employing deceptive subscription practices, aiming to protect consumers from being automatically enrolled in costly memberships. This rule, effective October 1st, includes substantial penalties for non-compliance, with potential fines of $525 per user subscription for businesses failing to offer straightforward cancellation methods. Additionally, the city is proposing a separate rule to ban “junk fees” by requiring upfront disclosure of the total price for all goods and services, encompassing mandatory additional charges. These initiatives represent a significant effort by the city to curb predatory corporate pricing and enhance consumer affordability.
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Renters across the US are advocating for federal regulation of rental housing fees, often referred to as “junk fees,” which significantly increase housing costs and tenant vulnerability to eviction. These fees are imposed through opaque lease terms, making it difficult for tenants to contest them due to the high cost and disruption of moving. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently considering new rulemaking to address these practices, a move supported by hundreds of tenants and activists but opposed by many in the property management industry who argue fees are essential for financial stability and resident services. Recent FTC settlements with major landlords, Invitation Homes and Greystar, over allegations of unlawfully charging tenants millions in fees have amplified the call for nationwide protections, with lawmakers also urging the FTC to establish clear federal standards.
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A new federal rule aims to ban “junk fees” on hotel accommodations and live-event tickets, a move that could significantly impact consumer spending and the way businesses advertise prices. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates this rule, set to take effect around April of next year, could save consumers a substantial amount of money—$11 billion over a decade—and 53 million hours of time spent hunting for the true final cost of their purchases.
However, this isn’t necessarily a complete victory for consumers. The rule doesn’t actually prohibit the fees themselves; instead, it mandates that these fees be included in the upfront price displayed to the consumer.… Continue reading
Credit card late fees being capped at $8 as part of the Biden administration’s crackdown on what they refer to as “junk fees” is definitely a step in the right direction. Many people, especially those who are struggling financially, often find themselves caught in a vicious cycle of debt due to exorbitant late fees charged by credit card companies. These fees, which can sometimes be as high as $25 or $30, only serve to deepen the financial burden on those who are already facing challenges in managing their finances.
It is heartening to see the government taking action to protect consumers from these unfair practices.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood