Canada’s Competition Bureau is investigating how artificial intelligence (AI) may be influencing rental rates nationwide.
Port Moody-Coquitlam MP Bonita Zarrillo told Global News that concerns arose when renters across the country began protesting rent hikes. She cited software like YieldStar, which allegedly collects data to artificially inflate rental prices.
In August, the U.S. Justice Department sued RealPage Inc., the owner of YieldStar, accusing it of violating antitrust laws by enabling landlords to coordinate rental price increases through AI-driven recommendations. Zarrillo claims similar software is being used in Canada.
Despite her efforts to bring the issue to parliamentary discussion last fall, her motion failed to pass the first reading.
The Competition Bureau stated that while details of the investigation remain confidential, a thorough examination is necessary before determining if the Competition Act has been breached.
Zarrillo emphasized that personal data—such as demographics, income, and neighborhood pricing—is being collected and analyzed to maximize profits for landlords, raising concerns over potential unfair business practices.
Source: Swifteradio.com
