California Cities Ban AI Rent Pricing Software

California is experiencing significant rent increases in eight of its eleven largest cities, with Bakersfield seeing the largest hike at 8%. Concurrently, landlords are increasingly using AI software from RealPage to set rental prices, which critics argue inflates rents and stifles competition. This practice has prompted legislative actions in cities like San Francisco and San Diego to ban the use of such software, amidst growing concerns over housing affordability. Federal prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against RealPage, alleging it engages in unlawful information-sharing practices that harm renters. Proponents of the software, including RealPage, argue that the issue lies in a lack of housing supply rather than their technology. The ongoing debate highlights the growing tension between technological advancements in real estate and the urgent need for affordable housing solutions.