Portland City Council Votes to Adopt AI Rental Price-Fixing Software Ban

Portland City Council approved an ordinance banning AI rental price-fixing software, with eight councilors supporting the measure proposed by Councilor Angelita Morillo. The ordinance aims to combat tools that facilitate collusion among landlords in setting rental prices, which antitrust experts argue violate federal laws. This vote aligns with a recent state settlement involving a $7 million case against a major landlord for illegal rental practices. The policy, co-sponsored by Councilors Mitch Green and Tiffany Koyama Lane, has received backing from tenant advocates who emphasize its importance in addressing high rents and homelessness. Local real estate developers have opposed the measure, citing concerns over its impact on small landlords.

The council previously tabled the ordinance due to potential legal challenges but has now amended it to address these issues. This decision marks a significant step in Portland's efforts to regulate rental practices and improve housing affordability. The ordinance's approval reflects an evolving approach to managing the city’s housing crisis.