Tech vs. Tenants: Berkeley's Fight Against Algorithmic Rent-Fixing

Berkeley Faces Legal Battle Over Ban on Rent-Pricing Algorithm Berkeley, California, is at the center of a legal battle with RealPage, a real estate software company, after the city council passed an ordinance banning the use of algorithms to set rental prices. RealPage claims the ban violates its free speech rights, while Berkeley argues the algorithm facilitates illegal price-fixing and exacerbates the housing crisis. "RealPage's algorithm is designed to maximize landlord profits, leading to higher rents for tenants," said Soli Alpert, Chair of Berkeley's Rent Stabilization Board. "It's a clear case of corporate greed prioritizing profit over the well-being of residents." The video shows that Berkeley isn't alone in its fight. Five other cities have already banned RealPage's software, and the Justice Department is also investigating the company's practices. The outcome of Berkeley's case could set a significant precedent for how cities regulate the use of algorithms in the rental market, impacting rent affordability and the fight for tenant rights across the nation.