Seattle algorithmic rent-fixing ban (Ord. 127241 / SMC 7.34, July 2025)
City of Seattle — Prohibition on Algorithmic Rent-Fixing (Ord. 127241 / SMC Chapter 7.34)
Seattle, WA · Seattle Ord. 127241 / CB 121000, signed July 1, 2025, eff. July 31, 2025; codified SMC Chapter 7.34
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- July 31, 2025
- Applies to
- Residential landlords and rent-setting algorithm vendors operating in Seattle
- Enforced by
- City of Seattle; private right of action for tenants
Seattle City Council passed CB 121000 on June 24, 2025 (Mayor signed July 1, 2025; effective July 31, 2025), creating SMC Chapter 7.34 to prohibit algorithmic rent-fixing. The ordinance bans landlords from using software or data services that pool pricing recommendations based on nonpublic competitor data — targeting RealPage-style pricing coordination. Publicly available rent estimates and listings remain permitted. Penalties reach $7,500 per violation, and each affected rental unit counts separately. Tenants can also sue for actual damages plus attorneys' fees.
Who is protected: Seattle residential renters subject to algorithmically coordinated rent pricing
Legal detail
Seattle Ord. 127241 (CB 121000, passed June 24, 2025; signed July 1, 2025; eff. July 31, 2025) enacts SMC Chapter 7.34, prohibiting 'algorithmic rent-fixing' — use of software that aggregates third-party nonpublic pricing data to recommend rents or vacancy strategy across competing landlords. Public rent estimates (listings, web tools) are not violations. Civil penalties: up to $7,500 per offense; each unit/instance counted separately. Private right of action: actual damages plus attorneys' fees. Enforcement: City of Seattle and private litigants. Companion to WA state-level action and NY S.7882 felony rent-algorithm coordination law.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|
| Level | City / local |
| Strength | Moderate |
| Enacted | July 1, 2025 |
| Citation | Seattle Ord. 127241 / CB 121000, signed July 1, 2025, eff. July 31, 2025; codified SMC Chapter 7.34 |
| Private right of action | Yes, individuals can sue |
| Penalties | Up to $7,500 per violation (per unit, per instance); private right of action for actual damages + attorneys' fees |
| Topics | housing and credit decisions · automated decision-making |
| Statute | Seattle City Clerk — Ordinance 127241 (CB 121000, algorithmic rent-fixing prohibition, SMC 7.34) |
More AI rules in Seattle, WA
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- Seattle Generative AI Policy · In effect
- Seattle Data Center Moratorium · In effect
- Seattle Public Schools AI Handbook + Superintendent Procedure 2022SP · In effect
- Seattle Surveillance Ordinance (SMC 14.18) · In effect
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Related housing and credit decisions rules elsewhere
- Connecticut algorithmic rent ban — HB 8002 (eff. Jan 1, 2026) · In effect
- San Diego algorithmic rent price-fixing ban (Ord. O-21955, May 2025) · In effect
- Minneapolis algorithmic rent ban (Ord. 2025-010, eff. Mar 1, 2026) · In effect
- NJ Forbidding the Algorithmic Inflation of Rent (FAIR) Act · Enacted (not yet in effect)
- Hoboken Algorithmic Rent-Fixing Ban · In effect
- Santa Monica Algorithmic Rent-Setting Ban · In effect
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