Apartments for signs of rentals in Pasadena (File Photo – Emmanuel Crowntes).
In a move to protect renters from rising housing costs, Sen. Sasha Rene Perez (D-Pasadena) introduced legislation aimed at banning the use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in operations and banning increased rent.
By John Boucher
The proposed bill, Senate Bill 52, known as the End Ai Rent Hikes Act, aims to combat the growing influence of AI in the rental market, where critics claim to be contributing to the expansion of rental prices across the country.
Senator Perez’s initiative comes shortly after a significant legal development in 2024, when the U.S. Department of Justice introduced antitrust laws against a Texas-based property management software company. The lawsuit accused the company of collecting and exploiting landlords’ competitive, sensitive information. Government actions underscore growing concerns about the impact of AI tools on housing affordability and market equity.
The SB 52 takes a proactive step by banning the use of AI-driven rent setting algorithms. A 2024 White House Economic Advisors Council report found the estimated costs of an AI-driven rental setting tool were phenomenal. Renters have seen a $3.8 billion increase in rental costs for properties where these algorithms are used. Experts warn that the ongoing use of such tools can further exacerbate housing instability, particularly for low- and middle-income renters.
Senator Perez’s bill aims to address these concerns by preventing rental prices from artificially inflated by algorithms designed to prioritize profits over fairness.
Tagged: Senator Sasha Rene Perez introduces laws that will curb AI-driven rent hikes
Please help us do more!
Many of our advertisers are local businesses that have been directly affected by the fire. Some suffered massive damage, but others were completely destroyed and everyone had to close the doors. Respect for the community, we quickly converted the site to remove all ads the day after the fire and provide live updates. We felt it was inappropriate to run advertisements while friends, colleagues and neighbors were evacuated and evacuated.
As residents of this area, we are also influenced. Unlike some, we do not outsource our overseas business. Our priorities have been to inform you and ourselves with timely and reliable updates from trustworthy sources.
If you’re in a position to support, even a small contribution of $5 can make a huge difference. Click the blue button below to learn more about how to help.
support
