A new analysis by Zillow reports that people of color are more likely to be charged an application fee than white prospective renters regardless of factors such as income etc.

In very tight housing markets such as the Bay Area, this can become very problematic as application fees are typically not returned and can drive up the costs for many of finding a suitable place to live.

A few states such as Massachusetts have banned application fees altogether in an effort to level the playing field for all.