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A Walnut Creek rental listing for "The Cottage" sparked online outrage after attempting to charge an extra $200 monthly fee for remote workers.

A newly built, 535-square-foot one-bedroom cottage in Walnut Creek, California, recently went viral for its unique rental terms. While the property was advertised at $3,250 per month, the listing included a specific surcharge of $200 for tenants who work from home. This unusual fee sparked significant backlash from renters who felt the charge was unnecessary, given that the property was already situated in a one of the nation's most expensive housing markets. Housing experts suggest that while the fee may be difficult to justify for some, it can be seen as a utility cost recovery. Landlords may use the surcharge to account for increased electricity, water, and internet consumption by remote workers. However, legal experts note that while there are no federal protections against such fees, some states like California and Colorado have implemented laws requiring full disclosure of all costs. For those who work from home due to a disability, federal fair housing protections may apply. Renters are encouraged to negotiate with landlords to potentially waive or reduce these fees by highlighting a clean rental history or offering a long-term lease.

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