Bill > SB5469

This bill aims to prohibit algorithmic rent fixing and noncompete agreements in the rental housing market by establishing new legal restrictions on how rental property information can be collected, processed, and shared. The bill defines "coordinating" as a service provider collecting and analyzing rental data (such as prices, occupancy rates, and lease terms) from multiple landlords using systems, software, or algorithms to provide recommendations, while excluding publicly available rental price estimates. It makes it illegal for landlords to contract with or pay for services that coordinate rental pricing across multiple properties, and it prohibits service providers from coordinating rental information between two or more landlords. The legislation treats violations as unfair trade practices under the consumer protection act, allowing only the attorney general to bring enforcement actions on behalf of the state or residents, though individuals who are injured by such violations can also pursue civil damages. Importantly, the bill applies to activities "in or affecting commerce," suggesting it targets systematic attempts to manipulate rental markets rather than isolated individual actions. The new legal provisions will be added as a new chapter to Title 19 of the Revised Code of Washington, which covers business regulations.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5469&Year=2025&Initiative=false