• some_guy@lemmy.sdf.org
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    8 months ago

    The DOJ is looking into the possibility that RealPage is facilitating price-fixing among some of the large residential property owners and management firms that use the company’s product, according to the people, who were granted anonymity to discuss a confidential matter.

    A handful of property management companies own all the new apartment buildings in my city, so I’m all for this.

    • helenslunch@feddit.nl
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      8 months ago

      It’s not a property management company though. It’s much worse than that. It’s a software that several different property managers are using to determine rates, and the algorithm tells them what to charge. An algorithm that’s intended to maximize profits.

      • Bye@lemmy.world
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        8 months ago

        Isn’t that basically what Bloomberg et al do for stocks? Or what the blue book of gun values does for guns? I’m not sure how this is different, from a legal perspective. It’s obvious different from a moral perspective because stocks and guns aren’t required to live, but I don’t think the law has a provision for that

    • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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      8 months ago

      large residential property owners

      These should not exist. A corporation should be allowed to rent out one residential dwelling or, at most, an apartment building.

      • MDKAOD@lemmy.ml
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        8 months ago

        Have you heard of Delaware corporations? You’re right, but for 250 dollars you, too could open up a shell company to hold your assets!

        • Flying Squid@lemmy.world
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          8 months ago

          While we’re implementing my pipe dream of reforming the nation’s property laws, we can reform its incorporation laws too.