Landlords are using AI to raise rents — and California cities are leading the pushback

California and federal prosecutors have accused RealPage of exploiting renters by inflating prices through its software, which allegedly facilitates unlawful information-sharing among landlords. San Diego's city council is drafting an ordinance to ban this pricing software, following similar actions in San Francisco. The federal antitrust lawsuit claims RealPage's practices harm competition and contribute to rising rents, particularly in areas with high rental demand. Critics argue that the technology benefits landlords while exacerbating housing affordability issues for renters.