Canada’s Competition Bureau is investigating a range of tools that landlords and other businesses use to set rents and other prices. These tools are based on algorithms that use data not normally available, from many landlords, to propose what rent to charge on a unit. At issue is whether this allows landlords to collude in setting rents higher than they would otherwise be. A group of Toronto tenants claims that’s happening. A company that makes one tool claims it can help landlords outperform the market by 3 to 7 per cent. The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against that firm for anti-trust actions. Canada’s Competition Bureau is receiving input on competition impacts of these tools and whether they might hurt certain vulnerable groups, among other issues. Deadline is July 22.
The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton
A Liberal Spiritual Community Since 1889