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Providence council passes first reading to ban algorithmic rent‑setting software used by large landlords
Summary
The Providence City Council passed the ordinance on first reading to prohibit use of algorithmic rent‑setting software (e.g., RealPage) by large property managers, citing evidence the tools can coordinate pricing and drive up rents. The measure passed a roll call 13–0 (2 absent) for first passage.
The Providence City Council approved first passage of an ordinance intended to ban certain algorithmic rent‑setting software that councilors said can drive coordinated rent increases and contribute to displacement.
The ordinance was introduced and supported in committee and reached the full council on May 1. Councilman Sanchez described the technology's purpose as profit maximization and cited public reporting and testimony indicating algorithms can raise rents by roughly 3% to 7% for participating landlords. "Their stated…
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