Can landlords use software to set my rent in Los Gatos?
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 …”
No Los Gatos local ban on algorithmic rent-setting appears in the documents. The only rule shown is the state law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 16729 (AB 325).
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 …”