Portland City Council debates ordinance to ban AI in rent pricing

The Portland City Council is actively debating an ordinance that aims to ban the use of artificial intelligence in setting rent prices, a proposal introduced by Councilor Angelita Morillo. This legislation is a response to growing concerns about anti-competitive practices in the housing market, particularly following a Department of Justice investigation into RealPage for potential collusion among landlords. Morillo has expressed disappointment over the limited engagement from her fellow councilors, despite the considerable public support her ordinance has garnered. In the council meeting, small landlords voiced concerns about the potential legal implications of the ordinance, to which Morillo countered that such fears are largely overstated. Public testimony highlighted the detrimental impact of AI-driven pricing on housing affordability, with residents like Chris Olson from the Democratic Socialists of America warning that algorithms exacerbate already unaffordable housing costs.

The discussion also included warnings from real estate professionals about the ordinance potentially deterring investment and complicating the housing market. As Portland grapples with these significant housing challenges, the council plans to continue discussions on the ordinance in future meetings, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to housing solutions. The outcome of this legislative effort could have far-reaching implications for both tenants and landlords in the city.