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Bill > S451
NJ S451
NJ S451Makes use of algorithmic systems to influence price and supply of residential rental units unlawful.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill makes it unlawful to use algorithmic systems to influence the price and supply of residential rental units. Under the bill, it is unlawful and a violation of the "New Jersey Antitrust Act" for a rental property owner, or any agent, representative, or subcontractor thereof, to subscribe to, contract with, or otherwise exchange any form of consideration in return for the use of services of a coordinator and for a coordinator to facilitate an agreement among rental property owners that restricts competition with respect to residential dwelling units, including by performing a coordinating function. A "coordinator" is defined in the bill to mean any person who operates a software or data analytics service that performs a coordinating function for any rental property owner, including a rental property owner performing a coordinating function for their own benefit. "Coordinating function" is defined to mean (1) collecting historical or contemporaneous prices, supply levels, or lease or rental contract termination and renewal dates of residential dwelling units from two or more rental property owners; (2) analyzing or processing of the information described in paragraph (1) through use of a system, software, or process that uses computation, including by using the information to train an algorithm; and (3) recommending rental prices, lease renewal terms, or ideal occupancy levels to a rental property owner.
AI Summary
This bill makes it unlawful to use algorithmic systems to influence the price and supply of residential rental units in New Jersey, deeming such actions a violation of the "New Jersey Antitrust Act," which is a law designed to prevent anti-competitive business practices. Specifically, it prohibits rental property owners from using services of a "coordinator" – defined as any entity operating software or data analytics that collects and analyzes rental price and supply information from multiple property owners to recommend rental prices, lease terms, or occupancy levels – and it also prohibits coordinators from facilitating agreements among rental property owners that restrict competition. The bill aims to address concerns about rising rents, with findings noting significant increases in New Jersey and data suggesting that landlords using property management software may be colluding to fix prices, thereby decreasing competition and increasing rental costs for residents who are already struggling with housing affordability.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Senate Community and Urban Affairs Hearing (10:00:00 3/5/2026 Committee Room 1, 1st Floor, State House Annex, Trenton, NJ) (on 03/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S451 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/451_I1.HTM |
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