26-0215: Rental Dwellings – Pricing Algorithm Use – Disclosure FOR the purpose of requiring a landlord to disclose certain information regarding rental fees to current and prospective tenants; defining certain terms, establishing certain penalties; and granting the Department of Housing and Community Development authority to promulgate certain rules and regulations.

Description

Rental Dwellings – Pricing Algorithm Use – Disclosure FOR the purpose of requiring a landlord to disclose certain information regarding rental fees to current and prospective tenants; defining certain terms, establishing certain penalties; and granting the Department of Housing and Community Development authority to promulgate certain rules and regulations.

Summary

Baltimore City Council Bill 26-0215 would require landlords to disclose when rent is set using pricing algorithms that analyze nonpublic competitor data, such as rents, occupancy, or lease dates. The bill applies to owners, agents, managers, and others receiving rental income for dwelling or rooming units. Prospective tenants would see the algorithm and provider named in rental advertisements. Current tenants would receive written, in-person notice at least 90 days before an algorithm-based rent change, with an initial disclosure within 30 days for existing tenancies. The Department of Housing and Community Development could issue regulations. Violations could bring civil fines of up to $1,000 per day per unit, without changing state or federal notice requirements.