New Local Laws Open a Simpler Path to Rent-Fixing Lawsuits
Algorithmic Rent-Pricing Litigation Expands Under New State and Local Laws
A wave of municipal ordinances across the U.S. is enabling tenants and cities to sue landlords over algorithmic rent-setting tools, often with penalties per unit per month. Following the RealPage antitrust litigation, San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, Philadelphia, and Providence have seen new cases under these laws, which may offer easier liability than antitrust claims. The article details the varying statutes, the importance of documenting software usage dates, and steps for owners to mitigate risk.
A plaintiff's allegation that a landlord subscribed to RealPage, Yardi, or another revenue-management platform does not necessarily establish that every property used prohibited functionality throughout the proposed class period.