Cities work to ban Thoma Bravo-owned RealPage

As the Private Equity Stakeholder Project continues to write about, RealPage is a property management software that has been the subject of ongoing controversy after being accused of facilitating rental price collusion, through sharing non-public information between competing landlords.  The accusations against RealPage have resulted in over 30 class action lawsuits and a Department of Justice lawsuit which includes eight states as co-plantiffs. 

In addition to the proposed legislation against RealPage on the state level, several major cities have banned RealPage and similar rent-setting software. The growing movement to ban RealPage usage across the country poses significant financial and reputational risks for the company.

Hoboken 

In July 2025, the city banned the use of algorithmic rent-setting software. Those found in violation of the ban may face penalties such as imprisonment for up to 90 days, 90 days of community service, and a $2,000 fine. Speaking on the ban, Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla statedthat “every Hoboken resident deserves access to a fair and competitive housing market, free from manipulation by secret algorithms or corporate collusion.” 

Minneapolis 

The Minneapolis city council banned algorithmic rent setting software in March 2025. If landlords are found in violation of the ban, tenants are allowed to take civil action. The ban’s author Councilmember Robin Wonsley said that “ banning algorithms that landlords use to jack up the rent is one clear way that we can prevent some of the most egregious extractive practices that landlords are using to exploit renters.” 

San Francisco 

San Francisco’s 2024 RealPage ban was the first in the country. The ban means that landlords found in violation would face penalties of up to $1,000, and also could be forced to pay attorney fees. On the ban, San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin said “Let’s be clear: RealPage has exacerbated our rent crisis and empowered corporate landlords to intentionally keep units vacant.” 

Philadelphia 

Any landlord found in violation of Philadelphia’s RealPage ban can face a fine of up to $2,000 per violation. The city passed a RealPage ban in October, 2024. Councilmember Nicoloas O’Rourke was an advocate for the ban, and criticized RealPage’s actions. He said that, “these groups are working together. This is why we say that we’re trying to ban the fixing, not just algorithmically, but within professional networks as they’re communicating with a number of property managers and owners to try to keep these prices where they are,” said Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke.

Jersey City 

Hoboken is not the only city in New Jersey with a RealPage ban. Jersey City passed a ban on the software in May 2025 after a statewide ban’s passage lagged. The ban was introduced by Councilmember James Solomon who said, “we felt like we couldn’t wait any longer.” The ban’s passage means that landlords who use RealPage could be found guilty of code violations, and tenants who suspect that their landlords use RealPage would be able to sue or submit complaints to the city. 

San Diego 

San Diego passed their RealPage ordinance in May 2025. The ordinance means that landlords who use RealPage or similar software face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation. Councilman Sean Elo-Rivera was a fierce advocate for the ordinance. On the ordinance vote he said, “today’s vote sends a clear message: San Diego needs to work for San Diegans, not out-of-touch tech firms and corporate landlords rigging the system at the expense of working families. This is a win for renters, for transparency, and for everyone in our city who is committed to putting people before profits. 

Santa Monica

Mayor Pro Tem for Santa Monica, Caroline Torosis, was in favor of Santa Monica’s RealPage ban which passed in July, 2025. She stated that she wanted to “thank our city attorney and our consumer protection unit for being so diligent and ensuring, especially since the fires, that we are looking at every opportunity to combat price gouging and … also to ensure that we have fair pricing in our city.” Landlords found in violation of the ordinance face penalties of $1,000 per offense, and also attorney fees. 

Seattle

The sponsor of Seattle’s ban was Cathy Moore, who said that “we want to make sure that this is a city that all who want to live here have the ability to do so.” She continued, “and I think this is one small way that we can contribute to making this a more diverse and equitable city.” Seattle’s ban passed in June, 2025, and landlords in violation of the ban face a steep penalty of up to $7,500 per violation. 

Providence 

Providence passed their RealPage ban in May, 2025. Any landlord found in violation of the ban may be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 for each violation. Council President Rachel Miller stated that “Companies like RealPage enable this price-fixing by using algorithms to do what would be illegal between human beings. It’s a loophole that needs closing and, as a renter myself, I’m proud that Providence is joining the growing list of American cities who have acted on this needed protection.”