Seattle City Council Approves Ban on Algorithmic Rent Pricing Tools

Councilmember Cathy Moore, who introduced the bill, said the legislation is a necessary response to Seattle’s ongoing housing affordability crisis. “Seattle continues to be in the midst of an affordable housing crisis, and we need to explore every reasonable, well-vetted tool that can help us prevent displacement,” Moore said following the vote. “By prohibiting the use of this automated, predatory software, we can play a part in keeping rents more affordable.”

Councilmember Maritza Rivera, who is a landlord, abstained from the vote. The bill previously passed through the Housing and Human Services Committee and had been scheduled for council consideration last week but was delayed amid opposition from real estate industry groups.

Critics of the measure, including representatives from housing and commercial real estate organizations, argued that the legislative process lacked adequate input from landlords and property management professionals.

Under the new law, landlords found to be using algorithmic rent-setting tools could face penalties of up to $7,500 per violation.

Seattle now joins a growing number of U.S. cities—including San Diego, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Portland, and Jersey City—that have enacted similar measures aimed at curbing software-based rent coordination practices.

Council Bill 121000 now awaits Mayor Bruce Harrell’s signature. If signed into law, the ordinance would take effect 30 days later.