The Federal Trade Commission’s two -party rules “spam” came into force on Monday and gave consumers new protection against fees in short -term accommodation and life event.
While the new rules do not prohibit hated resort fees or handling fees when buying sports or concert tickets, they order the complete disclosure of total price and prohibit beet-and-switch tactics that only draw consumers to thank unexpected fees that give up the total price.
“This regulatory framework is part of a broader commission effort to fight debris,” said FTC Commissioner Lina Khan when the rule was approved in December. Over the past three years, the Commission has taken enforcement measures against injustice and misleading fees at an astonishing rate – to ensure hundreds of millions of dollars in relief for Americans who saddled with spam.
But where it will affect southern Nevada most is in the lodging industry, where most resorts thank resort fees of up to $ 60 per night to pay for features that most guests adopted were part of the rent – things like the use of wifi or a fitness room.
The rule also orders complete disclosure of treatment fees for live performance tickets.
Khan said the Commission began efforts to highlight debris fees in 2022 and contained a series of hearings to determine the rules. The Commission’s proposed rule in 2023 elicited more than 60,000 public comments, with people who talked about their experience of navigating spam in areas, ranging from housing leasing and car rental to carpet cleaners and lending wages.
Commissioners voted 4-1 on December 17 to implement the rules after 120 days. It resulted in Monday’s start.
According to the rules, advertised prices will include all compulsory fees, with few exceptions. Companies must tell you the truth about the total price of live event tickets and short-term accommodation. They must also reveal how much the fees are, what they are used for and whether they are refunded. Transferers can be held responsible for consumer reduction and civil penalties.
There are three categories of fees that do not need to be revealed: state fees, shipping fees and fees or fees for optional goods or services that people choose to add the transaction.
The new rules also apply to short -term rental, such as those provided by Airbnb and VRBO.
This is a developing story. Come back for updates.
Contact Richard N. Velotta at rvelotta@ theplayerlounge.com or 702-477-3893. Follow @rickvelotta at X.
