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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11658 — United States, et al. v. Taiheiyo Cement Corporation, et al.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement
The U.S. government is stepping in to stop Taiheiyo Cement and CalPortland from buying Vulcan Material’s ready-mix concrete plants in California because it could hurt competition. To keep things fair, the companies must sell off several plants, trucks, and property rights in Escondido, Oceanside, and Lakeside. People have 60 days to share their thoughts before the deal is finalized, keeping the concrete market strong and fair.
2026-11329 — United States et al. v. Agri Stats, Inc.; Proposed Final Judgment and Competitive Impact Statement
The U.S. government is stopping Agri Stats, Inc. from sharing secret pricing info between competing meat companies to keep things fair in chicken, pork, and turkey markets. Agri Stats must now share older, less detailed data publicly and follow new rules to prevent cheating. These changes start soon and will be watched closely by a special monitor to make sure everyone plays by the rules.
2026-09147 — United States et al. v. RealPage, Inc. et al. Response to Public Comments
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.
2026-09149 — Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-The Open Group, L.L.C.
The Open Group just added a bunch of new members from all over the world, like companies from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia. This update keeps their special legal protections in place, which means if anyone sues over competition issues, damages are limited. These changes took effect on November 13, 2025, and help keep innovation safe and fair without extra costs.
2026-08095 — United States et al. v. Constellation Energy Corporation, Inc. et al. Response of Plaintiff United States to Public Comments on the Proposed Final Judgment
The U.S. government is making sure Constellation Energy’s buyout of Calpine doesn’t hurt electricity competition. To keep things fair, Constellation must sell seven power plants in Texas and other states to new owners approved by the government. This fix helps protect your electricity prices and keeps the market competitive, with changes happening soon after the deal closes.
2026-07900 — Notice Pursuant to the Defense Production Act of 1950
The Department of Justice says new plans to boost U.S. nuclear energy production under the Defense Production Act can move forward, even if they limit competition a bit. These plans help private companies work better together to protect national defense, starting right after this notice. If you’re in the nuclear energy business, get ready for changes that could speed up projects and impact how you work with others.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-01967 — Editorial Note: Due to a technical error, this document, originally document number 2025-01598, failed to publish in the issue of January 23, 2025, as scheduled. This notice appeared on the Table of Contents for the January 23 issue. This notice, under document number 2025-01967, will now publish in the January 29, 2025, issue of the Federal Register.
Oops! A document meant to appear on January 23, 2025, didn’t get published because of a tech glitch. Now, it’s officially coming out in the January 29, 2025, Federal Register issue. If you were waiting for it, no worries—everything’s just a little delayed, with no extra costs or changes to worry about.
Next: 2025-01909 — Petition for Exemption; Summary of Petition Received; The Board of Regents of the Nevada System of Higher Education on Behalf of Desert Research Institute.
The Desert Research Institute, part of Nevada’s higher education system, asked the FAA for special permission to skip some aviation rules. This change could help their research work without messing with safety or costs. The FAA wants everyone to know about this and join the conversation before any decisions are made.