House Bill No. 4538 seeks to amend the existing law regulating landlord-tenant relationships by introducing new provisions regarding the use of algorithmic pricing devices in rental agreements. The bill defines "algorithmic pricing device" as any device that utilizes algorithms to calculate rental prices based on data, including local rent amounts. It explicitly prohibits landlords from using such devices in conjunction with nonpublic competitor data to coordinate pricing or enter into agreements that restrain the rental housing market. This prohibition aims to prevent anti-competitive practices in the rental market.

Additionally, the bill amends the title and Section 1 of the existing law to include the prohibition of certain rent pricing devices and clarifies definitions related to landlords, tenants, rental agreements, and security deposits. The new section 1e outlines the specific restrictions on the use of algorithmic pricing devices, emphasizing that violations of these provisions will be treated as violations of the Michigan antitrust reform act. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency and fairness in rental pricing practices while protecting tenants from potential exploitation.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 554.601