Can landlords use software to set my rent in San Francisco?
Not with rivals' private data; that's banned.
Landlords can't share private rent data through an app to set prices.
Why, and the exact law
From the San Francisco Rent Board, read Oct 1, 2026.Show the law
“The law prohibits the sale or use of such algorithmic devices and allows a tenant or the City Attorney to bring a civil action if they believe an entity is in violation of the law …”
S.F. Admin. Code § 37.10C · sf.gov · found word for word in the source
Who can help
Ask the San Francisco Rent BoardFree counselors explain your options, by phone or in person.San Francisco Rent Board
Get free legal helpIf your landlord won't fix it.LawHelpCA
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
San Francisco lawIn force
SF ban on algorithmic rent-setting devices
Can landlords use software to set my rent?
Not with rivals' private data; that's banned.
Landlords can't share private rent data through an app to set prices.
In force since
Oct 14, 2024
The law, word for word
“The law prohibits the sale or use of such algorithmic devices and allows a tenant or the City Attorney to bring a civil action if they believe an entity is in violation of the law …”
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 …”