Booking a hotel or a vacation rental for the holidays? A low nightly rate can grow at checkout with "resort fees", "cleaning fees" or "service fees". A federal rule from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) now requires the total price up front for short-term lodging and live-event tickets. This guide explains what the rule requires and how to compare stays. General information only. Facts checked November 11, 2026.
What the FTC fee rule requires
The FTC's Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees (16 CFR Part 464, published January 10, 2025) covers two things: short-term lodging, including hotels, motels, inns, short-term and vacation rentals, and live-event tickets.
- A business may not show a price without clearly and conspicuously disclosing the total price.
- The total price must include all mandatory fees, such as resort or cleaning fees you cannot avoid.
- The total price must be shown more prominently than any other pricing information.
- Government charges (taxes), shipping charges and fees for optional extras may be left out of the total, but before you pay, the business must tell you what they are, why they are charged and how much they are.
Compare stays the right way
| Hotel A | Hotel B | |
|---|---|---|
| Nightly rate | $139 | $159 |
| Mandatory resort fee per night | $35 | $0 |
| Total price for 3 nights | $522 | $477 |
The lower nightly rate is not always the cheaper stay. Compare the total price for all your nights, then add taxes, parking and any optional extras you will use.
Questions to ask before you book
- What is the total price for all nights, and what does it include?
- Which charges are left out: taxes, parking, pet fees, early check-in or optional services?
- What is the cancellation policy and the last date to cancel for free?
- Is the rate prepaid and nonrefundable?
Keep the confirmation that shows the total price. If you are charged more than you agreed to, contact the business first, then dispute the charge with your card issuer (FTC), and you can report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Frequently asked questions
Are resort fees allowed?
A hotel can still charge a mandatory fee, but under the FTC rule it must be included in the total price shown, and the total must be more prominent than other prices.
Does the total price include taxes?
Not necessarily. Government taxes may be left out of the total price, but they must be disclosed before you pay.
Does the rule cover vacation rentals?
Yes. Short-term lodging includes short-term rentals and vacation rentals, so mandatory cleaning or service fees belong in the total price.
Does it cover airline tickets or car rentals?
No. The rule covers short-term lodging and live-event tickets. Airline refunds have their own DOT rules: see our airline refund rights guide.
What can I do if I was charged a hidden fee?
Contact the business, dispute the charge with your card issuer if needed, and report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.