Seattle Council supports banning algorithmic rent fixing amid housing crisis

In a recent Seattle City Council meeting, significant discussions centered around the urgent need to address the city's housing crisis, particularly through the proposed ban on algorithmic rent fixing. This ordinance, championed by Council Members Moore, Strauss, and Rink, aims to combat the rising rents that many residents are facing due to collusion among landlords using software like RealPage to set prices.

Lydia Felty, co-chair of the Seattle Renters Commission, emphasized the detrimental impact of these practices on renters, stating that they contribute to the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis in Seattle. Felty urged the council to support the ordinance, highlighting its potential to provide much-needed relief for the city's majority-renter population, many of whom are struggling to afford their homes.

Kate Rubin, co-executive director of b Seattle, echoed these sentiments, noting that algorithmic pricing has been responsible for significant rent increases over the past five years. She pointed out that every $100 increase in median rent correlates with a 9% rise in homelessness, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Rubin called for the council to strengthen the bill with Amendment D, which would enhance accountability and ensure that renters have a clear path to challenge unfair practices.

Alan Francis also spoke in favor of the ban, framing it as a moral imperative to protect vulnerable populations from the hidden forces driving up housing costs. He argued that the current system is rigged against tenants, making it essential for the council to prioritize people over corporate interests.

However, opposition was voiced by Mike Simcoe, a representative from RealPage, who argued that the proposed ordinance would hinder apartment owners and go beyond existing regulatory frameworks. Simcoe claimed that the software merely provides market analysis and pricing suggestions, and that most landlords do not follow these recommendations.

As the council continues to deliberate on this critical issue, the voices of renters and advocates highlight the pressing need for action to ensure affordable housing in Seattle. The proposed ban on algorithmic rent fixing represents a potential turning point in addressing the city's housing challenges and supporting its most vulnerable residents. The council's decision on this ordinance could have lasting implications for the future of housing in Seattle, as it seeks to balance growth with the needs of its community.