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 prevent algorithmic rent fixing in the rental housing market by restricting the use of ‘service providers’ who collect and analyze data on rental prices and recommend prices to landlords. It prohibits real estate lessors from contracting with these service providers and prohibits service providers from facilitating agreements not to compete among landlords. The bill also addresses predispute arbitration agreements and provides for remedies in cases of violations.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘coordinate’ as collecting and analyzing rental data to recommend prices to landlords.
- Prohibits real estate lessors from contracting with ‘service providers’ that perform the defined ‘coordinate’ function.
- Prohibits ‘service providers’ from facilitating agreements not to compete among landlords.
- Addresses predispute arbitration agreements and waivers.
- Allows for simple interest to be awarded to plaintiffs for damages related to violations.
- Provides for the awarding of attorney fees and costs to plaintiffs in successful enforcement actions.
- Requires a plausible pleading of a violation of chapter 93A in civil actions.
- Specifies that the existence of a contract, combination, or conspiracy is a plausible possibility for a violation.
Who is affected
- Real estate lessors
- Renters
- Service providers (companies that analyze rental data)
Bill text
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Sponsors
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9 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Housing
Cosponsors
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