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Berkeley Delays Algorithmic Rent Ban Amid Budget Crisis

7/10/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Berkeley has delayed its plan to ban algorithmic rent-setting tools amid a $27 million budget shortfall and a lawsuit from RealPage, which alleges First Amendment violations. This ordinance, designed to tackle rent-fixing, mirrors a similar ban in San Francisco, as critics warn that such software fosters collusion among landlords, driving rents up.

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Story summary

Berkeley has delayed its plan to ban algorithmic rent-setting tools amid a $27 million budget shortfall and a lawsuit from RealPage, which alleges First Amendment violations. This ordinance, designed to tackle rent-fixing, mirrors a similar ban in San Francisco, as critics warn that such software fosters collusion among landlords, driving rents up.