The proposed bill introduces Chapter 40Z to the General Laws, aimed at preventing algorithmic rent fixing in the rental housing market. It defines key terms such as "service provider," "real estate lessor," and "residential dwelling unit," and establishes regulations that prohibit real estate lessors from engaging with service providers that facilitate anti-competitive agreements. The bill also outlines that violations of these provisions will be considered unfair competition under existing laws, specifically chapters 93 and 93A, and allows for the awarding of damages, including interest and attorney fees, to plaintiffs in successful actions.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that predispute arbitration agreements and predispute joint-action waivers will not be enforceable in cases related to violations of this chapter. It emphasizes that complaints filed under chapter 93A need only demonstrate plausible allegations of anti-competitive behavior without requiring evidence that excludes independent actions. This legislative effort seeks to enhance fairness in the rental market by curbing practices that could lead to unjust rent increases and anti-competitive behavior among lessors.