Moulton Signs On As A Cosponsor To Protect Against Harmful Rent Increases

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Seth Moulton (MA-06) joined as a cosponsor of the End Rent Fixing Act, a comprehensive antitrust bill that would make it illegal for landlords to use algorithms to raise rental prices. 

Rent in Massachusetts has risen faster than inflation, and the rental algorithms that this bill would ban are partially to blame for this sharp increase. In Boston, algorithmic rent coordination increased rents by $79 per month on average. 

“Housing is a human right. To achieve that, we need to take action against bad actors and broken systems,” said Congressman Moulton. “Often, these systems recommend that landlords leave properties vacant to maintain high prices. This is an unacceptable practice that cannot continue, especially when a lack of housing supply is forcing young families out of the state.”

This bill would prohibit algorithmic rent coordination by banning landlords from using third-party services that analyze rental data to recommend pricing, renewal, or occupancy strategies. It would also make it illegal for companies to provide these coordinating services to multiple property owners. 

The bill can be read here. 

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