DOJ settles case accusing real estate tech firm RealPage of enabling landlords to collude on sky-high rents

Core Viewpoint - The Justice Department has settled its case against RealPage, addressing allegations of algorithmic collusion among landlords to inflate rents, which is expected to restore competition in rental markets for millions of American renters [1][2][4]. Summary by Sections Settlement Details - The settlement requires RealPage to cease using "nonpublic, competitively sensitive information" from landlords for rent pricing and to only use data that is at least 12 months old [2][6]. - RealPage must stop soliciting sensitive rental market information through surveys and discussing nonpublic market trends in meetings [8]. - The agreement mandates court approval before implementation [3]. Impact on the Rental Market - The DOJ stated that the settlement would help restore free market competition in rental markets, emphasizing the need for independent pricing decisions among competing companies [2]. - The lawsuit alleged that RealPage's software enabled landlords to prioritize profits over occupancy, exacerbating housing supply issues and increasing costs for renters [4][5]. Legal Context - The lawsuit was initially filed by the DOJ alongside eight states, accusing RealPage of operating an illegal monopoly in property management software for multi-family housing [9]. - The case marked a significant move by the DOJ against algorithmic collusion, highlighting concerns as industries increasingly rely on software [12]. Cooperation and Future Actions - As part of the settlement, RealPage agreed to cooperate with the DOJ in ongoing lawsuits against other landlord defendants [11][12]. - The DOJ previously reached settlements with some of the co-defendants, while proceedings against others are still pending [11].