Residents of several Las Vegas apartment complexes have been hit with unexpected charges for internet services already included in their rents, leading to financial concerns among many tenants.
The new charges, which amount to $75 a month for a technology package, are set to begin on June 1 and have caused distress for residents like Loretta Byers residing at the Intrigue Apartments located on Vegas Drive and Decatur Boulevard.
Byers, who recently renewed her lease in February, expressed her frustration when she learned that the terms she agreed to no longer seem to apply.
The lease clearly states that internet would be paid directly to the service provider, yet the management informed her that the new fee will be part of “standard lease obligations,” paid directly to the landlord instead.
“It’s being forced,” said Byers. “Take it, or leave it.”
She and her neighbors feel pressured into accepting an additional charge that many cannot afford, particularly low-income residents and seniors on fixed incomes.
Byers voiced concern for one neighbor who may need her children to help manage the extra costs.
The situation at Intrigue Apartments is not unique; other complexes like Tides on Twain are also implementing similar fees for internet services provided by Cox Communications, charging $65 a month as part of a bulk package.
One Tides on Twain resident, frustrated with the changes, reached out to local media stating, “Something has got to be done to stop these unscrupulous landlords from stealing from seniors on fixed incomes who cannot afford to be treated like this.”
This resident currently receives internet through Cox’s low-cost ConnectAssist program for $30 a month, meaning the new bulk fee would increase her bill by more than double.
The notice from Tides on Twain management indicated that the change would be mandatory, and residents were directed to sign a lease addendum at the complex office.
However, following media inquiries, FPI Management, the company managing Tides on Twain, quickly updated their announcement to clarify that the new internet fee would only apply when leases are renewed or for new tenants.
They described the package as an added benefit and promised to send new, corrected letters to residents.
In response to the inquiries about Intrigue Apartments, Advanced Management Group acknowledged flaws in their notice and stated that the internet program would only affect residents during lease renewals or for new occupants.
They asserted that participation in the program is optional and would not impact existing tenants receiving free internet due to funded assistance programs.
Both management companies indicated that they hope to offer these packages as a more affordable option compared to current internet rates in Las Vegas, which can reach between $99-140 monthly for basic plans.
According to the Assemblymember Venicia Considine, the manner in which these charges are being implemented is highly problematic.
“I believe it’s predatory. I also believe it’s deceptive,” Asm. Considine said, pointing out that there is currently no law preventing such tactics.
She is actively working on legislation, Assembly Bill 121, which aims to curb surprise charges and improve transparency in rental agreements.
The bill, which has already passed through both houses, now awaits the signature of Governor Lombardo.
Byers expressed optimism regarding the bill, stating, “Oh, that’s wonderful! That would be magnificent. If we could get the governor on it, that would be fantastic!”
Asm. Considine elaborated that many residents feel misled upon discovering additional fees listed in their lengthy leases, often leading to confusion over the actual cost of living in rental properties.
“It is not unusual for folks now to contact me and say, ‘Hey, I thought my rent was going to be $1,250, that’s what was advertised. When I sat down to sign the lease after I put down my non-refundable credit and application fees, I found out that my 52-page lease has addendums that charge for trash, sewer, water, extra water, entertainment packages, internet packages, luxury fees, trash consultations, just a litany of items,'” she said.
Considine’s proposed legislation would require that all rental agreements display a single rent figure that incorporates all associated fees, preventing the potential for landlords to impose hidden costs.
Her stance is clear: the focus should be on preventing larger corporations and hedge funds from exploiting residents for additional fees.
“I just don’t think that as a state, we want to be known for that,” Asm. Considine emphasized.
Meanwhile, Byers delivered a poignant message to her landlord regarding the adverse effects of such surprise fees: “Think before you do something. Talk to the tenants. Be kind to them. Act like they’re people and not just a number.”
The situation in Las Vegas is part of a larger trend as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently withdrew a proposal that would have banned bulk internet billing agreements, which some believe would have safeguarded tenants from these unexpected charges.
Management companies maintain that these new internet packages are intended to benefit residents by providing a cost-efficient solution for internet access, especially important for tasks such as online payments, schoolwork, and maintaining connections with the news and entertainment.
In an effort to clarify their intentions, Advanced Management Group representative stated, “We are aware of the bills presented at the state level related to ancillary fees. This plan is actually being initiated with the intent of providing financial savings to our residents and bring down their household costs overall.”
The developments in this scenario reflect a growing concern over transparency and fairness in rental agreements, creating an ongoing dialogue between residents, lawmakers, and property management companies aimed at better protecting renters in the Las Vegas area.
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