DOJ Clamps Down on RealPage's Rent-Hiking Algorithm Shenanigans
Published Date: 5/8/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. government responded to public feedback about its plan to fix RealPage’s unfair business practices that hurt renters and landlords. The plan aims to stop RealPage from using its power to raise prices unfairly, helping renters save money and encouraging fair competition. The court will soon decide to approve this fix, which could change how rental tech works and impact costs starting in 2026.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Ban on Using Competitors' Nonpublic Data
RealPage may not use nonpublic data from competing properties in runtime operation to make price recommendations, and in training its models it may only use backward-looking data that is at least 12 months old and not from active leases. This restriction is intended to stop RealPage from using competitors' current data to set or align rents.
Geographic Limits on Model Training
RealPage may not train its listed AI models (AI Demand, AI Supply I, AI Supply II) using a geographic variable narrower than a state, and RealPage may not use nonpublic data to train any future models with a geographic variable narrower than the nation. These limits restrict the granularity of location-specific training inputs.
No Market Surveys or Data Sharing
RealPage may not collect or use competitors' nonpublic data via market surveys, may not share or disclose Unaffiliated Property Data or Owner Inputted Data to licensees in its revenue management products or through Pricing Advisors, and may not facilitate discussions among landlords about nonpublic data or pricing strategies.
Landlords Must Control Pricing Features
RealPage must modify software so landlords can reject or override recommended prices; any automatic acceptance feature must require the landlord to individually set parameters; limits on price increases and decreases must be symmetrical and set by the landlord.
Enforcement, Monitor, and DOJ Inspection Rights
The United States will select a monitor (term of three years, extendable up to 18 months) to ensure RealPage complies; RealPage must adopt an antitrust compliance policy, train employees, allow DOJ inspections and employee interviews, and the DOJ can reopen the matter if the Final Judgment fails to address the violations.
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