An Act relative to preventing algorithmic rent fixing in the rental housing market
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill aims to address concerns about rental prices being artificially inflated through the use of algorithms. It seeks to prevent landlords from using automated systems to set rents above market rates, ensuring fairer and more transparent rental costs for tenants. The legislation focuses on promoting competition and preventing discriminatory practices in the rental market. It intends to provide tenants with greater protections against unfair rent increases driven by algorithmic manipulation.
Key provisions
- Requires landlords to disclose how they determine rental rates.
- Prohibits the use of algorithms to set rents above fair market value.
- Establishes a process for tenants to challenge rent increases they believe are unfairly determined.
- Creates a study to assess the impact of algorithmic pricing on the rental market.
- Defines ‘fair market value’ for rental purposes.
- Allows for regulatory oversight of algorithmic rental pricing practices.
- Provides a mechanism for tenants to file complaints regarding suspected algorithmic rent fixing.
Who is affected
- Tenants
- Landlords
- Housing Market Participants
- Massachusetts Residents
- The Rental Housing Industry
Notable changes
- Introduces regulations regarding the use of algorithms in rental pricing.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
9 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
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