Scott+Scott is investigating a suspected price fixing cartel preying on residential renters. Some of the nation’s largest corporate landlords and property management firms have worked together to raise rents to sky high levels. At the center of the alleged price fixing scheme is RealPage Inc., a multinational company that provides real estate owners and managers with rent-setting software.
ProPublica reported in October 2022 that the nation’s largest landlords use RealPage’s pricing algorithm to set higher rents and share information with each other. In November 2022, multiple members of Congress demanded the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission investigate how RealPage was being used to rip off renters across the country. Soon after, a nationwide class action was instituted. In August 2024, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced it was suing RealPage and other corporate landlords. According to the DOJ’s press release, “RealPage’s egregious, anticompetitive conduct allows landlords to undermine fair pricing and limit housing options while stifling necessary competition,” and “The Department remains committed to rooting out illegal schemes and practices aimed at empowering corporate interests at the expense of consumers.”
In a healthy and fair market landlords and/or property management companies would have to compete on rent prices – keeping rent prices competitive and fair. RealPage’s algorithm removes this competition and enables landlords to coordinate unjustified rental unit price increases. As a result, renters are forced to participate in an unfair rental market and overpay for their rental housing.
Scott+Scott is investigating these reports and has brought litigation to compensate renters harmed by this scheme.
ARE YOU A RENTER? WOULD YOU LIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS INVESTIGATION?
If you rented a residential unit within the last four years you may be eligible to participate in an antitrust claim against RealPage and the lessors using the pricing software to manipulate rental housing pricings. To find out if you are eligible you are encouraged to fill out the form below and an attorney will reach out to you to discuss your legal rights; there is no cost.
- Justice Department Sues RealPage for Algorithmic Pricing Scheme that Harms Millions of American Renters
- Congressional Letter to DOJ and FTC
- ProPublica: “Rent Going Up? One Company’s Algorithm Could Be Why”
- ProPublica: “Pressure Grows on Real Estate Tech Company Accused of Colluding With Landlords to Jack Up Apartment Rents”
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Scott+Scott is an international law firm known for our work in antitrust, consumer, corporate, and securities law. We have been recognized by the American Antitrust Institute for the successful litigation of highly complex antitrust claims in the US. We’ve achieved meaningful corporate reforms in addition to significant monetary settlements on behalf of our clients. Our team is led by highly experienced and acclaimed attorneys with deep domain expertise. To learn more about Scott+Scott, our attorneys, or cases explore our website at scott-scott.com.