DOJ Targets RealPage Algo for Rent Price-Fixing Scheme
Published Date: 1/30/2025
Notice
Summary
The U.S. government says Cortland Management broke the rules by teaming up with RealPage and other landlords to share info and set prices together. Cortland must stop using RealPage’s software or use it under strict supervision, stop sharing sensitive data, and follow new antitrust rules. People have 60 days to share their thoughts, and this could shake up how landlords set rents soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Cortland must stop or monitor RealPage use
The proposed Final Judgment requires Cortland Management to end its use of RealPage's software or, alternatively, may allow continued use only if Cortland uses third-party revenue management software with the appointment of a compliance monitor. The Complaint and proposed Final Judgment were filed January 7, 2025 and published in the Federal Register on January 30, 2025.
Ban on using competitively sensitive data
The proposed Final Judgment prohibits Cortland from using certain competitively sensitive data in Cortland's own revenue management software. That prohibition is part of the documents filed January 7, 2025 and described in the January 30, 2025 Federal Register notice.
Prohibition on sharing sensitive data with landlords
The proposed Final Judgment prohibits Cortland from sharing competitively sensitive information with other landlords. That prohibition is in the Complaint and proposed Final Judgment filed January 7, 2025 and noted in the January 30, 2025 Federal Register notice.
Antitrust compliance and cooperation requirement
The proposed Final Judgment requires Cortland to establish an antitrust compliance policy and to cooperate with the United States in the litigation. Those requirements were filed January 7, 2025 and are included in the Federal Register notice dated January 30, 2025.
Action aims to restore market competition
The United States and several states say the lawsuit and proposed Final Judgment seek to restore free market competition for renters and honest businesses. The notice invites public comment within 60 days of the January 30, 2025 Federal Register publication.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in