Bill > SB318

This bill addresses parallel pricing coordination in residential rental properties by prohibiting agreements between landlords that manipulate rental prices. The legislation defines key terms, including "coordinator" (an individual using systems to analyze rental prices), "parallel pricing coordination" (agreements to manipulate rental prices), and "rental price" (the consideration tenants pay to lease a property). Under the bill, any agreement involving parallel pricing coordination is considered an unenforceable contract in restraint of trade, and violators can be subject to a $1,000 civil penalty per violation, which can be pursued by the Attorney General or district attorneys. The bill requires the Department of Community Affairs to develop educational materials to inform residents about these new provisions. Importantly, the law does not apply to actions taken by governmental entities related to affordable or low-income housing programs. The bill will become effective upon the Governor's approval and will apply to all new, renewed, modified, or extended residential property agreements from that date forward, effectively creating a legal framework to prevent potential price-fixing schemes in the rental market.

Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71062