Austin, November 26, 2025
RealPage Inc., an Austin-based software company, has settled a federal rent-collusion lawsuit with the U.S. Department of Justice. The settlement addresses accusations that RealPage’s software allowed landlords to coordinate rental prices, leading to higher costs for tenants. While RealPage does not admit wrongdoing, the settlement restricts the use of real-time data and mandates additional monitoring. Austin is notably impacted, with almost half of its multifamily units managed by landlords using RealPage’s system. This case signifies an increasing focus on combatting anticompetitive practices in the rental market.
Austin, Texas
RealPage Settles Federal Case over Rent-Collusion Allegations
RealPage Inc., a prominent Austin-based software company, has agreed to settle a federal rent-collusion case with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The settlement addresses allegations that RealPage’s software facilitated landlords in coordinating rental prices, leading to inflated costs for tenants nationwide.
Settlement Details
The DOJ’s investigation focused on RealPage’s revenue management software, which provided landlords with daily rent pricing recommendations. Critics argued that the software enabled landlords to share sensitive pricing information, resulting in coordinated rent increases. Under the terms of the settlement, RealPage is prohibited from using real-time confidential data for rental price recommendations; only nonpublic data at least one year old is permitted. Additionally, the company must remove or redesign features that discourage landlords from lowering prices or prompt them to match competitors’ prices. The settlement also includes a three-year monitorship to ensure compliance with these new limitations. Notably, RealPage does not admit to any wrongdoing and will not pay damages as part of the agreement. The settlement is pending judicial approval.
Impact on Austin
Austin was identified as the city most impacted by RealPage’s software, with 46% of multifamily units being managed by landlords using the system. This widespread adoption meant that a significant portion of renters in the area were affected by the alleged coordinated pricing practices.
Background Context
The DOJ’s lawsuit, filed in August 2024, accused RealPage of enabling landlords to share confidential, competitively sensitive information, leading to coordinated rent increases. The case marked a significant enforcement action against algorithmic collusion in the housing market. In addition to the federal case, over two dozen property management companies, including Greystar, have reached settlements totaling $141 million over their use of RealPage’s software. These settlements aim to compensate renters and deter future anticompetitive practices in the rental market.
Industry Reactions
RealPage’s CEO stated that the settlement brings clarity and allows the company to refocus on innovation and positive outcomes for both housing providers and renters. The company has historically claimed that its software has reduced rents and vacancies. However, critics argue that the outcome lacks accountability and sets a weak precedent for addressing anticompetitive practices in the housing sector.
Future Implications
The settlement with RealPage is part of a broader effort to address anticompetitive practices in the rental market. State-level actions are intensifying, with new laws and ordinances emerging nationwide to curb similar practices. The DOJ and state attorneys general have also filed antitrust suits against other companies involved in alleged rent collusion, signaling a continued commitment to preserving fair market practices in the housing sector.
FAQ
What is RealPage Inc.?
RealPage Inc. is a Texas-based software company that provides revenue management solutions for landlords, including rent pricing recommendations.
What were the allegations against RealPage?
The U.S. Department of Justice alleged that RealPage’s software enabled landlords to coordinate rental prices, leading to inflated costs for tenants.
What does the settlement entail?
The settlement prohibits RealPage from using real-time confidential data for rental price recommendations and includes a three-year monitorship to ensure compliance. RealPage does not admit to any wrongdoing and will not pay damages as part of the agreement. The settlement is pending judicial approval.
How does this affect renters in Austin?
Austin was identified as the city most impacted by RealPage’s software, with 46% of multifamily units being managed by landlords using the system. This means a significant portion of renters in the area were affected by the alleged coordinated pricing practices.
What are the broader implications of this case?
The settlement is part of a broader effort to address anticompetitive practices in the rental market. State-level actions are intensifying, with new laws and ordinances emerging nationwide to curb similar practices. The DOJ and state attorneys general have also filed antitrust suits against other companies involved in alleged rent collusion, signaling a continued commitment to preserving fair market practices in the housing sector.
Key Features of the Settlement
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Prohibited Practices | RealPage is prohibited from using real-time confidential data for rental price recommendations and must remove or redesign features that discourage landlords from lowering prices or prompt them to match competitors’ prices. |
| Monitorship | The settlement includes a three-year monitorship to ensure compliance with the new limitations. |
| Financial Penalties | RealPage does not admit to any wrongdoing and will not pay damages as part of the agreement. |
| Judicial Approval | The settlement is pending judicial approval. |
| Impact on Austin | Austin was identified as the city most impacted by RealPage’s software, with 46% of multifamily units being managed by landlords using the system. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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