The Office of the D.C. Attorney General has reached its first major settlement in a lawsuit that accuses landlords and RealPage, a rental pricing software company, of artificially inflating rents across the city. The agreement, involving Washington-based property management company William C. Smith & Co., marks a pivotal moment in a legal battle centered around rental price-fixing. In situations like these, our Washington, D.C. business litigation lawyer can help companies deal with the challenges that come with such high-profile cases, especially those involving alleged anti-competitive practices.
Filed in 2023, this business lawsuit was the first in a series of legal actions initiated by state attorneys general against RealPage and various property managers. The core allegation is that these landlords shared non-public data through RealPage’s revenue management platform, effectively creating a rent-setting “housing cartel.” The practice allegedly inflated prices on more than 50,000 apartment units throughout the District, including 9,300 controlled by William C. Smith & Co.
Under the terms of the settlement, William C. Smith & Co. will no longer use or promote revenue management software reliant on sensitive data from competitors. Although the company denies any wrongdoing, it opted to settle to avoid ongoing legal costs. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb emphasized that this outcome holds landlords accountable and protects tenants from future price-fixing schemes.
This case is part of a broader legal effort. Parallel federal litigation is underway in Tennessee, and other state attorneys general are pursuing similar suits. The outcome in D.C. could set a significant precedent for future cases, especially concerning the use of technology in rent-setting practices.
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Cases like the RealPage lawsuit underscore the importance of having our highly qualified Washington, D.C. business litigation attorneys on your side when facing regulatory scrutiny or internal disputes. Business litigation can encompass a wide range of issues—from antitrust allegations to contract disputes and data misuse—and these matters often involve intricate laws and regulatory frameworks.
At Eric Siegel Law, clients benefit from over 30 years of legal experience in tackling civil and corporate litigation. Our firm’s founder, Eric Siegel, has represented clients in both federal and state courts and earned public recognition for his dedication to providing outstanding legal services.
Our commercial litigation lawyers understand how to analyze both the legal and financial dimensions of a case. Whether the issue involves unfair competition, breach of fiduciary duty, or misuse of proprietary data—as seen in the RealPage matter—having seasoned legal counsel is vital. Businesses also rely on business dispute lawyers for proactive advice on risk mitigation and compliance to avoid future litigation altogether.
Our company litigation lawyers stand ready to represent corporations, small businesses, and individuals in disputes involving contracts, antitrust law, and corporate governance. If your business is facing a legal challenge or if you need guidance working through regulatory changes affecting your industry, contact Eric Siegel Law today. As leading Washington, D.C. business litigation attorneys, our team provides diligent and tailored representation that meets the needs of each client. Don’t wait—secure your business’s legal future with experienced professionals.