U.S. Foreclosure Filings Drop, FTC and Colorado Sue Greystar for Rental ‘Junk Fees’, New Robocall Rules Set for 2025 Set to Start

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Foreclosure Filings Drop

In the latest data from ATTOM, foreclosure filings across the U.S. showed a continued decline in 2024. The year-end report reveals that 322,103 properties had foreclosure filings—down 10% from 2023 and 35% from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. These filings represent just 0.23% of all U.S. housing units, a significant drop from the 2.23% peak in 2010.

CEO Rob Barber notes that the trend suggests a housing market stabilizing despite ongoing economic uncertainty. ATTOM also reported a 6% decrease in foreclosure starts in 2024 compared to the previous year, with the total number of properties starting the foreclosure process at 253,306.

The report also highlights significant regional variations. Florida, New Jersey, and Nevada led the states with the highest foreclosure rates, while major metro areas like Lakeland, Florida, and Atlantic City, New Jersey, saw the highest foreclosure rates among large cities.

In terms of bank repossessions, 36,505 homes were foreclosed and repossessed in 2024, marking a 13% decline from the previous year.

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FTC and Colorado Sue Greystar for Rental ‘Junk Fees’

The Federal Trade Commission and Colorado’s Attorney General, Phil Weiser, have filed a lawsuit against corporate landlord Greystar, accusing the company of deceptive advertising and inflating rental costs with undisclosed “junk fees.”

Greystar, one of the largest landlords in Colorado, is said to have misled renters since 2019, advertising one rental price but then hitting tenants with hidden fees for services like valet trash collection and package handling—fees that weren’t revealed until after tenants paid application fees and signed leases.

Weiser claims this practice violates the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, leaving tenants with limited options after committing to a rental. The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction, monetary relief for consumers, and civil penalties for Greystar.

This legal action follows state efforts to regulate these junk fees. State Rep. Emily Sirota has proposed a bill requiring clearer pricing and banning certain charges, including administrative fees unrelated to rent.

Greystar is also facing an antitrust lawsuit in Colorado for allegedly colluding with other landlords to keep rents high.

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New Robocall Rules Set for 2025 Set to Start

And finally, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) is getting a major update in 2025, and businesses need to be ready. Starting January 27th, a new rule from the Federal Communications Commission will require companies to obtain individual written consent from consumers before sending robocalls or robotexts. This change targets the so-called ‘lead generator loophole,’ making it clear that businesses can no longer rely on a single consent for multiple sellers.

Then, on April 11th, new rules will allow consumers to revoke their consent for these communications through any reasonable method, like replying ‘stop’ to a text. Businesses must honor these requests within 10 business days or risk penalties.

If your business uses robocalls or robotexts, it’s time to review and update your consent and revocation practices. These changes are designed to give consumers more control over unwanted marketing, so make sure you’re compliant before the deadlines hit.

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