Oregon Committee Debates SB 722 to Ban AI Rent Pricing Software

Senate Bill 722 took center stage during the Oregon State Legislature's Senate Committee on Housing and Development meeting on March 26, 2025, as advocates rallied for stronger protections against rising rental costs driven by algorithmic pricing software.

Vivian Lyon, director of legal services at the CLEAR Clinic Eviction Legal Defense Program, voiced her support for the bill, emphasizing the urgent need to address the financial strain on tenants. "The sheer cost of rent compared to household income is a major issue," she stated, highlighting that her program has assisted nearly 900 households facing eviction, primarily due to nonpayment of rent. Lyon raised concerns about the bill's enforcement mechanisms, suggesting that landlords should be required to submit affidavits confirming they did not use rent-fixing apps when setting rental prices.

David Carlson, a board member of the Community Alliance of Tenants, echoed these sentiments, stressing the detrimental impact of corporate landlords using AI to inflate rents. "This is not just or fair," he argued, calling for the bill to extend protections against extreme rent spikes and prevent displacement. Carlson criticized the proposed amendments that might favor landlords over tenants, urging the committee to prioritize the needs of working-class Oregonians.

Pete Simpson, a member of Portland Tenants United, described the situation as a "cartel," where landlords exploit technology to bypass traditional market protections. He urged the committee to recognize the implications of allowing such practices to continue unchecked.

Amanda Pham Haines, housing justice manager at Unite Oregon, highlighted the devastating effects of unchecked rent hikes, stating, "These systems don't just reflect the market, they set it." She called for immediate action to prevent further displacement and homelessness, arguing that the harm of inaction is clear and pressing.

Michael Abrams, policy counsel for the ACLU of Oregon, reinforced the bill's importance, asserting that access to housing is a fundamental civil right. He pointed out that the use of AI-driven pricing software exacerbates housing scarcity and disproportionately affects vulnerable communities.

The committee's discussions underscored a growing consensus on the need for legislative action to combat the housing crisis in Oregon, with SB 722 positioned as a critical tool for protecting tenants from exploitative rent practices. As the meeting concluded, advocates remained hopeful that the bill would advance without amendments that could undermine its intent.