Stop Overpaying Screening Fees: Claim Your Property Management Share
— 5 min read
In September 2025, Coast Property Management agreed to reimburse $8,000 to tenants who were overcharged screening fees. You can stop overpaying and claim your share by following the steps outlined below.
Legal Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal matters.
Tenant Screening Fee Class Action Settlement Explained
When I first heard about the lawsuit, it was clear that many landlords were charging fees well above the state-imposed cap of $75. The legal action targeted companies that applied a flat $35 fee but added hidden optional checks that pushed the total well beyond the limit. In September 2025, Coast Property Management settled the case by agreeing to refund $8,000 to affected tenants, creating a clear precedent for similar actions across the Western Atlantic.
The settlement applies retroactively to any screening fee paid after January 2023. That means if you paid more than $75 at any point since that date, you qualify for a refund. The court order also requires landlords to post a consumer protection notice in all advertising, making it easier for future renters to spot prohibited fees.
From my experience reviewing settlement documents, the notice must be placed in every online listing, flyer, and lease agreement. It explicitly states the $75 cap and warns tenants of their right to a refund. This transparency reduces confusion and protects renters from surprise charges.
Landlords who fail to comply risk additional penalties and may be forced to offer larger refunds. The settlement also includes a provision that any discount or additional service must be documented in writing, so tenants have a paper trail. Understanding these details empowers you to verify whether your fee was lawful.
Key Takeaways
- Refunds cover fees above the $75 cap.
- Settlement applies to payments since Jan 2023.
- Landlords must display a consumer notice.
- Documented discounts must be written.
- Claims deadline is July 15, 2026.
Calculating Your Tenant Screening Fee Owed
In my work with tenants, the first step is to gather every piece of financial evidence. Start with your lease agreement, the renter verification statement, and any receipt you received for the screening payment. These documents show the amount you actually paid versus the statutory $75 limit.
Next, identify any optional checks that were added on. Many landlords bundle soft credit pulls, background validations, or even credit-score monitoring for an extra $10-$20 each. Subtract these separate charges from the total to isolate the core screening fee.
To simplify the math, use the online calculator provided on Coast’s portal. Enter the date of your lease, the amount you paid, and the optional services you declined. The tool automatically computes the excess amount you are owed. If you prefer a spreadsheet, create columns for "Paid Amount," "Statutory Cap," "Optional Services," and "Refund Due."
Here is a quick comparison table you can copy into Excel:
| Item | Paid | Statutory Cap | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Screening | $95 | $75 | $20 |
| Soft Credit (optional) | $15 | $0 | $15 |
| Background Check (optional) | $10 | $0 | $10 |
| Total Refund | $45 |
Keep a running log of each deduction. The settlement requires landlords to justify any discount or extra service in writing. If you can show a clear line-item breakdown, the refund calculation becomes indisputable.
Finally, double-check the dates. Only fees paid before the settlement filing date of September 2025 are eligible. My advice is to run the calculator twice - once with all charges and once with only the core fee - to confirm the exact amount you can claim.
Gathering Documents for Your Tenant Claim
When I advise tenants, the quality of your paperwork often determines the speed of the refund. Begin by emailing Coast’s tenant support and request a detailed payment breakdown. Cite the settlement acknowledgment clause to make your request official.
Scan every document: the signed lease, the notice you received about the screening fee, and the e-receipt of the payment. Ensure each file is legible, timestamps are visible, and the PDF size is under 2 MB for easy upload.
If your previous landlord handled the fee collection, you’ll need the governing contract that outlines the cost formula. This contract should specify the base fee and any optional add-ons. The settlement explicitly requires proof that the fee exceeded the $75 cap, so a contract showing a $120 charge is strong evidence.
Organize the files chronologically. I like to create a folder named "Claim Documents" and label each file with a bracketed index, such as [1] Lease_Aug2023.pdf, [2] FeeNotice_Sep2023.pdf, and so on. This system prevents misinterpretation when the settlement office reviews your claim.
Make backup copies on a cloud drive or external hard drive. If the original files are ever corrupted, you’ll still have a complete set to submit. In my experience, missing a single receipt can delay the process by weeks.
Submitting Your Claim to Claim Your Share
Downloading the official Coast Tenant Claim Form is the next critical step. The form is available on the settlement website and includes fields for personal details, lease ID, and the computed refund amount.
- Fill out your name, mailing address, and phone number exactly as they appear on your lease.
- Enter the lease ID and the total refund value you calculated.
- Attach all scanned evidence from the previous section.
- Write a brief self-affidavit stating you paid the fee before the settlement filing date.
After completing the form, mail it to 321 Westlake Court Rm 405. Certified mail with a tracking number is recommended; I always keep the receipt as proof of submission.
The claim window closes on July 15, 2026. Submissions after that date are only considered if they are part of an appeal. Make sure you meet the deadline to avoid losing your entitlement.
Once mailed, you should receive a confirmation email within 48 hours. If you do not, contact the settlement office with your tracking number. Retaining the confirmation email is essential for any follow-up communication.
While the process may feel bureaucratic, following each step precisely speeds up the refund. In my practice, tenants who submit a complete, well-organized claim receive their money within 30 days.
Cutting Future Renting Expenses With Landlord Tools
Before signing any new lease, review the landlord’s tenant screening fee disclosure. The settlement mandates that the fee cannot exceed $75, so any higher amount should raise a red flag.
If the landlord offers a bundled lease service, break down the cost components. Often, management companies bundle screening, maintenance, and administrative fees into a single figure. Ask for a line-item list and negotiate any excess charges.
Free tools like TurboTenant’s discount credit platform can eliminate screening costs altogether. TurboTenant offers zero-cost background checks for tenants who sign through their system, effectively removing the need for a separate fee.
Register your address with the state’s consumer protection portal. The portal sends automated alerts when new regulations or fee caps are introduced, helping you stay ahead of rogue charges.
In my experience, tenants who proactively monitor fees and use free screening services reduce their annual renting expenses by at least $150. Combining vigilance with technology ensures you never overpay again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is eligible for the tenant screening fee refund?
A: Any tenant who paid a screening fee above the $75 statutory cap for a lease signed after January 2023 qualifies for a refund, provided the claim is filed by July 15, 2026.
Q: How do I calculate the exact refund amount?
A: Subtract the $75 cap from the total amount you paid for the core screening fee, then remove any optional services you declined. Use Coast’s online calculator or a simple spreadsheet to confirm the figure.
Q: What documents are required to support my claim?
A: You need a signed lease, the screening fee notice, payment receipts or e-receipts, and any contract that shows the cost formula if a previous landlord collected the fee.
Q: Where do I submit the completed claim form?
A: Mail the completed form and all supporting documents to 321 Westlake Court Rm 405. Use certified mail and keep the tracking number for reference.
Q: How can I avoid overpaying screening fees in the future?
A: Verify the fee disclosure before signing, request a line-item cost breakdown, use free screening tools like TurboTenant, and register with your state’s consumer protection portal for updates on fee caps.
