'This Is Huge': MD City Marks Milestone By Banning Algorithmic Rental Pricing

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Rockville has officially become the first city in Maryland to ban the use of algorithmic pricing on rental rates.

The update to the city's landlord-tenant rental codes was approved Monday by the Rockville City Council and will take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

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Algorithm pricing involves the use of specialized software that collects public and private data to help landlords determine any new rental charges or lease adjustments.

"This is huge," Councilmember Barry Jackson said in a statement. "It will make a real impact and will serve to give momentum for other cities, the county and state legislative efforts."

Updates to the city code also include an expansion for relocation assistance and restrictions on payment and administrative charges, among other changes.

The new code adoptions are intended to promote increased transparency on lease terms while protecting renters from exploitative rental practices.