Final answer:
Potential tenants are charged a screening fee by landlords or property managers for credit and background checks, the amount of which varies by location and is subject to legal regulations to prevent discrimination. Such fees should be applied uniformly to all applicants, and caution must be exercised to avoid subtle, hidden forms of discrimination in the housing market.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'How much do we charge a tenant for a screening fee?' relates to the cost that a landlord or property manager may require from a potential tenant as part of the application process to rent a property. This fee typically covers the cost of credit checks and possibly additional background checks. However, it's important to note that screening fees, while common, vary by region and are regulated by state and local laws to prevent discrimination or excessive charges. In some jurisdictions, these fees may even be capped to make them affordable.
Regarding the discrimination in the housing market highlighted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Urban Institute study, it's crucial to ensure that screening fees are applied uniformly to all potential tenants to avoid contributing to the kind of subtle discrimination described in the findings. This discrimination, which includes providing differing levels of information or access to housing units based on race or ethnicity, may make it more difficult for certain groups to move into communities with preferred amenities like good schools. As HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan articulated, such hidden forms of discrimination are harmful and challenging to address.