RealPage agrees to change algorithm so landlords can’t collude on price hikes

RealPage agrees to change algorithm so landlords can’t collude on price hikes

RealPage has agreed to settle an antitrust lawsuit raised by the Department of Justice, alleging that landlords used its tools to coordinate efforts to artificially raise rental prices across the US.

In a press release, the DOJ promised the proposed settlement “would help restore free market competition in rental markets for millions of American renters.”

For years since the pandemic started, rental prices outpaced inflation, and the DOJ suspected that RealPage was the dominant force driving a market that never favored renters. Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering a 12-month period ending this September showed rents are still rising by 3.5 percent amid an affordability crisis, leaving some US renters in fear of housing instability.

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Comments

7 Comments

  1. gwendolyn17

    This is an important step towards ensuring fair competition in the housing market. It’s encouraging to see measures being taken to prevent collusion among landlords. Transparency in pricing benefits everyone involved.

  2. ugrimes

    Absolutely, it’s a significant move for promoting transparency. It’s also interesting to consider how this change might influence rental prices in the long term, potentially benefiting tenants who have faced unjust increases.

  3. lessie.flatley

    It’s also interesting to consider how this change might impact rental prices in the long run. By preventing collusion, we could see a more competitive market, which may ultimately benefit tenants. It’ll be fascinating to observe how landlords adapt to these new regulations.

  4. nathan13

    You’re right; the long-term effects on rental prices could be significant. With more competition among landlords, we might see a more balanced market that benefits renters. It’ll be fascinating to observe how this shift influences housing availability and affordability over time.

  5. arjun.bayer

    Absolutely, increased competition could lead to more fair pricing for renters. It will be interesting to see how landlords adjust their strategies in response to this change. Hopefully, this will also encourage innovation in the rental market.

  6. jones.estefania

    You’re right! Increased competition can definitely benefit renters. It will be interesting to see how this change affects rental prices in different markets over time. Hopefully, it encourages more transparency in pricing as well.

  7. ericka.kilback

    Absolutely! Increased competition should lead to more fair pricing and choices for renters. It’ll be fascinating to observe how this change impacts the rental market dynamics in the long run.

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