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Bill > SB585

VA SB585

VA SB585
Virginia Fair Housing Law, et al.; personalized algorithmic pricing disclosures, prohibitions.

summary

Introduced
01/14/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Virginia Fair Housing Law; Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Act; Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; personalized algorithmic pricing disclosures; prohibitions; civil penalties; civil actions. Prohibits, for purposes of the Virginia Fair Housing Law and the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), certain discriminatory uses of protected class data, defined in the bill, in the sale or rental of a dwelling. The bill requires, when applicable, disclosure of the use of personalized algorithmic pricing, defined in the bill, for purposes of the Virginia Residential Property Disclosure Act and the VRLTA. Under the VRLTA, the bill prohibits a landlord from facilitating an agreement between or among two or more landlords to not compete with respect to any dwelling unit, including by operating or licensing software, a data analytics service, or an algorithmic device that performs a coordinating function, defined in the bill, on behalf of or between and among such landlords. The bill also prohibits a landlord and a multiple listing service, defined in the bill, from setting or adjusting rent prices, rental agreement terms, occupancy levels, or other rental agreement terms and conditions in one or more of his dwelling units based on recommendations from software, a data analytics service, or an algorithmic device performing a coordinating function. The bill allows the Attorney General to seek an injunction and civil penalties to restrain certain violations of the bill and allows any injured individual to bring a civil action to recover the greater of actual or statutory damages and reasonable attorney fees.

AI Summary

This bill amends Virginia law to prohibit discriminatory uses of protected class data in housing and to require disclosures regarding the use of personalized algorithmic pricing in rental properties. Specifically, it adds a new section to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) that requires landlords who own more than four rental units and use an "algorithmic pricing device" – defined as any automated system that influences rental prices – to disclose its use in writing to prospective or current tenants. This disclosure must include the name of the software or service used and a plain-language summary of the general factors considered by the device in determining rent, though proprietary information is exempt. Tenants or prospective tenants are also entitled to a human review of any rent determination made by such a device. The bill prohibits landlords from misrepresenting the use of these devices, offering non-negotiable prices determined by them, or using them in a deceptive or misleading way. Violations can result in civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation, sought by the Attorney General, but the bill does not create a private right of action for individuals to sue.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Passed by indefinitely in General Laws and Technology with letter (15-Y 0-N) (on 02/04/2026)

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