US · ongoing · ~6 min read
RealPage v. James
2025–present · apartment pricing software
RealPage won a temporary block on part of New York's rent-algorithm law on September 29, 2026. The rest of the law survived that round, and the case continues to trial.
The story
New York barred landlords from setting rents off certain software recommendations.
RealPage sued the attorney general.
The court paused the broadest section and refused to pause the section aimed at actual price-fixing agreements.
Why it matters
This is a First Amendment case about a competition statute, separate from the DOJ's RealPage lawsuit.
What was claimed
Software recommendations are speech the state cannot ban wholesale.
The other side
The state says the law stops landlords from coordinating rents.
What it means for you
A preliminary injunction is temporary. The statute is not repealed.
Bottom line
RealPage v. James is a live case. Only part of New York's law is paused.
Timeline
29 September 2026
Part of the statute paused
The Southern District of New York enjoined enforcement of one section of New York's rent-algorithm law pending trial.
Key dates
- Preliminary injunction
- 29 September 2026
Formal snapshot
Summary: RealPage sued to block New York's ban on using rent-pricing software. On September 29, 2026 the court paused one section pending a trial on the merits and left another section in force. The case is not over.
Regulator / plaintiff argument: RealPage says pricing recommendations are protected speech. The court agreed only in part.
Outcome: Section 3 of the statute is enjoined for now. Section 2, aimed at facilitating price-fixing, was upheld at this stage. A trial on the merits is still ahead.
Conduct tags
Laws referenced
- Sherman Act §1 — 15 U.S.C. §1
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