When Innovation Turns into Exploitation: Emerging Landlord Practices and Tenant Protections

As new technologies and practices reshape the rental housing market, tenants are facing fresh challenges that demand informed advocacy. From online tenant portals and credit reporting to “junk fees,” coded lockouts, and mandatory insurance policies, these developments are changing how renters experience housing—and how advocates must respond. This webinar will equip you with the knowledge to identify unlawful practices, support clients, and push for fairer housing outcomes.

What You Will Learn:

• • What new tools like tenant portals, fintech payment systems, and RUBS billing are affecting tenant rights.
  • What are the legal implications of emerging landlord practices such as credit reporting, digital leases, rent concessions, and coded lockouts.
  • How to use strategies to recognize and challenge improper fees, unfair insurance requirements, and other trends impacting renters’ financial stability.

Speaker

Chelsea Ortega is a partner at the law firm of Santoni, Vocci & Ortega, LLC in Baltimore, Maryland. Chelsea’s practice primarily focuses on issues involving tenants and consumers’ rights. She regularly represents tenants living in uninhabitable conditions, who have been the victim of unlawful evictions, or who have been charged illegal fees. Chelsea has brought and settled several class action cases against large property management companies, debt collectors, and auto finance companies.

Please note live webinars are free to NACA members.  Members will need to pay to watch the recording. Higher Level members and firm members have access to the recordings at no additional costs. Non-members who purchased the webinar will also have access to the recording at no additional cost.