32BJ SEIU Urges Passage of Hoboken Ordinance to Ban Rent-Setting Algorithms
32BJ SEIU Urges Passage of Hoboken Ordinance to Ban Rent-Setting Algorithms
Hoboken would become the second city in New Jersey to outlaw rent-gauging software.
Ordinance follows a Jersey City ban
Hoboken, NJ – This evening, Hoboken City Council will see the introduction of a municipal ban on rent-setting algorithms like RealPage.
32BJ SEIU, the largest property service workers union in New Jersey and the nation, was a prime supporter of a similar Jersey City ordinance that passed in May.
“Hoboken residents are facing an affordability crisis and need to be protected from landlord collusion and dubious rent-setting algorithms,” said Ana Maria Hill, New Jersey State Director for 32BJ SEIU. “This ordinance will do just that and follow the lead of the Jersey City Council which weeks ago approved a similar measure 9-0. Too many of the essential workers who maintain and clean Hoboken buildings already cannot afford to live in the city they work. Our members – building cleaners, security officers, residential maintenance workers, school custodians – and all residents need sensible housing policy to address this affordability crisis. We commend Mayor Ravi Bhalla, Councilman Joe Quintero and Councilman Phil Cohen on their leadership on this issue and urge Hoboken city councilors to vote ‘yes’ on this important piece of legislation to rein in Hoboken’s affordability crisis.”
The proposed ordinance would make it unlawful for landlords renting residential dwelling units in Hoboken to engage in price-fixing through algorithmic rent-fixing. Algorithmic rent-fixing is defined as the use of software, algorithms, or data-sharing platforms to coordinate, recommend, or implement rental prices, lease terms, or occupancy levels among competing landlords. This law would apply to all residential rental units in Hoboken, excluding medical, long-term care, or detention facilities.
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With more than 185,000 members in 12 states, including 105,000 in New Jersey and New York, 32BJ SEIU is the largest property service workers union in the country.
