King County bans software that allows landlords to collude on rent prices
Sep 24, 2025, 1:05 PM | Updated: 1:08 pm
A building in King County advertising its leasing opportunities. The King County Council has taken steps to stop landlords from colluding on prices. (Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of KIRO 7)
King County has taken steps to stop landlords from coordinating rent prices.
On Tuesday, the King County Council banned landlords from conspiring on rental prices and using software like RealPage, The Seattle Times reported.
Washington AG sues RealPage
In April, the Washington State Attorney General’s (AG) Office filed a lawsuit against RealPage and nine local landlords, alleging the landlords used the software to rapidly increase rent prices.
“RealPage’s unfair practices are cheating renters and pricing families out of stable housing,” Attorney General Nick Brown stated in a news release. “Washington is facing a housing crisis, and we must respond with every available tool.”
The AG’s Office estimated 800,000 leases were priced in Washington using RealPage software from 2017 to 2024.
Investigators found RealPage used nonpublic data from landlords to feed its algorithms. Landlords gave their data knowing the software would combine it with data from other landlords. RealPage would then recommend rents for the landlords, often increasing them.
The AG’s Office also discovered that advisors with RealPage are trained to convince landlords to turn on autopricing.
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King County ordinance allows tenants to seek damages
Under King County’s ordinance, tenants can sue landlords or service providers who violate the mandate and collect up to $7,500 per violation.
Seattle passed a similar ban in June, according to The Seattle Times.
In May, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed a landmark bill that caps rent increases at 7% plus inflation, or 10% — whichever is lower.
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