Neronha announces $213,000 settlement in case of alleged illegal real estate application fees

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha announced a $213,000 settlement with a national real estate management corporation accused of charging illegal application fees to prospective tenants in Rhode Island.

The settlement will refund $98,250 to affected consumers and requires A.R. Building Company (ARBC), Inc to pay Rhode Island $114,750.

As part of the settlement, ARBC will discontinue the practice of charging application fees to prospective tenants, inquiring whether prospective tenants have a disability and will disclose screening documents rights to prospective tenants.

“With this settlement, not only are we returning nearly $100,000 to Rhode Island consumers, we are barring this company from further engaging in behaviors that we allege are illegal and discriminatory,” said AG Neronha.

“We must make it easier, not harder, for people to obtain safe, affordable housing, and that’s why my Office will continue to hold accountable bad actors who place profits over people.”

Consumers who paid an application fee or administrative fee to ARBC between January 1, 2024 and January 30, 2025 should contact the relevant ARBC property manager to claim their refunds.