Price fixing by algorithm is still price fixing

Price fixing by algorithm is still price fixing

Landlords and property managers can’t collude on rental pricing. Using new technology to do it doesn’t change that antitrust fundamental. Regardless of the industry you’re in, if your business uses an algorithm to determine prices, a brief filed by the FTC and the Department of Justice offers a helpful guideline for antitrust compliance: your algorithm can’t do anything that would be illegal if done by a real person.

Today, the FTC and Department of Justice took action to fight algorithmic collusion in the residential housing market. The agencies filed a joint legal brief explaining that price fixing through an algorithm is still price fixing. The brief highlights key aspects of competition law important for businesses in every industry: (1) you can’t use an algorithm to evade the law banning price-fixing agreements, and (2) an agreement to use shared pricing recommendations, lists, calculations, or algorithms can still be unlawful even where co-conspirators retain some pricing discretion or cheat on the agreement. (read full article here)

Don't Evict Our Neighbors - Part 2

Don't Evict Our Neighbors

Don't Evict Our Neighbors - Part 2

Event on Sep 15 2024 by Kitsap Housing for All: A Community Gathering for Tenants and Advocates. Park residents and concerned community members can network and share their experiences via the Kitsap Housing for All Facebook Group

Don't Evict Our Neighbors - Economic Eviction

Don't Evict Our Neighbors - Put People Over Profit

Hurst & Son LLC is under investigation for violating tenant rights. Residents of mobile home communities, including Pinewood Park, LLC in Bremerton, Washington, owned by Hurst & Son LLC complain of steep rent hikes, cut services and alleged violations of park rule. Washington state Attorney General’s Office is investigating and is seeking to resolve issues with the Port Orchard-based mobile home park landlord. Hurst & Son is a real estate company that owns dozens of mobile home parks across the state and more across the country. Some residents have complained about rising rents, economic eviction and poor services at mobile home parks owned by the company during the past year and have organized to file complaints and call for legal protections.

Point-In-Time Count Shows Homelessness Increased 12% in 2023

Tumwater mobile home tenants lobby against rent hikes

Tumwater mobile home tenants lobby against rent hikes

As manufactured home communities in Washington become less affordable, residents have increasingly organized to galvanize support and push policy.