North Carolina Landlords Accused of Using AI to Inflate Rent Prices

In a significant legal move, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson has filed a lawsuit against six major landlords, accusing them of collaborating with RealPage, an AI software company, to artificially inflate rent prices across the state. ([ncdoj.gov](https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-sues-six-landlords-for-illegally-raising-north-carolinians-rents))

 

The landlords named in the suit include Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, Blackstone's LivCor LLC, Camden Property Trust, Cushman & Wakefield Inc., Willow Bridge Property Company LLC, and Cortland Management LLC. Collectively, they own or manage over 70,000 rental units in North Carolina, with a significant presence in cities like Charlotte. ([ncdoj.gov](https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-sues-six-landlords-for-illegally-raising-north-carolinians-rents))

 

The lawsuit alleges that these landlords utilized RealPage's algorithmic software to share sensitive information, such as rent prices and occupancy rates, enabling them to set higher rents and suppress competition. This practice is said to have adversely affected renters, leading to inflated housing costs. ([ncdoj.gov](https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-sues-six-landlords-for-illegally-raising-north-carolinians-rents))

 

In April 2025, a settlement was reached with Cortland Management LLC, one of the defendants. Under the agreement, Cortland agreed to cease using non-public data from other landlords, either through RealPage's software or other means, to set rents. This settlement marks a significant step in restricting the use of AI-driven rent-setting practices deemed unlawful. ([ncdoj.gov](https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-reaches-settlement-with-landlord-to-stop-using-realpages-unlawful-software))

 

Attorney General Jackson emphasized the importance of this action, stating, "Today's settlement means one less landlord is using RealPage's unlawful AI software to charge North Carolinians unfair rents. We're going to keep fighting this case to make sure all landlords and property managers play by the rules and people can afford rent." ([ncdoj.gov](https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-reaches-settlement-with-landlord-to-stop-using-realpages-unlawful-software))

 

The broader legal battle continues against the remaining landlords and RealPage, as the state seeks to ensure fair rental practices and protect residents from exploitative rent-setting schemes. ([ncdoj.gov](https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-sues-six-landlords-for-illegally-raising-north-carolinians-rents))

 

This case highlights the growing scrutiny over the use of artificial intelligence in real estate and its potential impact on housing affordability. Renters and housing advocates are closely watching the developments, hoping for measures that promote transparency and fairness in the rental market.