Can landlords use software to set my rent in Los Angeles?
Not as part of price-fixing between landlords.
Why, and the exact law
Using a shared pricing tool to collude, or pushing others to use its prices, is illegal.
From the California Legislature, read Oct 1, 2026.Show the law
“It shall be unlawful for a person to use or distribute a common pricing algorithm as part of a contract, combination in the form of a trust, or conspiracy to restrain trade or commerce in violation of this chapter …”
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
California lawIn force
AB 325 / SB 763 – Common pricing algorithm prohibition (Cartwright Act)
Can landlords use software to set my rent?
Not as part of price-fixing between landlords.
Using a shared pricing tool to collude, or pushing others to use its prices, is illegal.
Who it covers
Covers: Any person using or distributing a common pricing algorithm; not limited to housing; excludes end consumers.
In force since
Jan 1, 2026
Enacted
Oct 6, 2025
The law, word for word
“It shall be unlawful for a person to use or distribute a common pricing algorithm as part of a contract, combination in the form of a trust, or conspiracy to restrain trade or commerce in violation of this chapter …”
The 2024 council motion only asks LAHD to report on algorithmic rent-setting software and the feasibility of a ban. It is not a rule, so no local ban is shown.
The law, word for word
“report on the number of ownership and management entities that are using algorithm-based …”
L.A. City Council Motion, File No. 24-1031 · cityclerk.lacity.org · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026