The Jersey City Council approved two ordinances on first reading to ban rent-setting algorithms like RealPage and improving benefits for laborers at last night’s meeting.
By Daniel Ulloa/Hudson County View
Ward E Councilman James Solomon sponsored both measures and the council began by discussing. The rent-fixing ordinance was amended after the subject was discussed at Monday’s caucus and was since slightly amended.
“Licensed real estate agents are not included,” he noted.
“Has this been reviewed by the Law Department?” Ward B Councilwoman Maureen Hulings asked.
“Yes. We’ll get an additional memo to the council before the second reading,” Acting Corporation Counsel Brittany Murray said.
Both ordinances passed unanimously (8-0) on first reading with Council President Joyce Watterman absent.
During public comment, Ward C council candidate Tom Zuppa stated that he supported 32BJ SEIU labor union, who have came out in support of both ordinances.
“The overwhelming majority of the residents of Jersey City do rent,” he noted.
Portside Towers East Tenant Association President Kevin Weller noted their lawsuit against algorithmic price fixing has grown since they first sued Real Page in 2023.
“It has become the largest real estate anti-trust class action in American history targeting Real Page, Equity Residential, and more than 25 of the nation’s largest landlords for algorithmic price fixing,” he claimed.
Weller said they’re being used to “artificially inflate rents across our state. The AG’s (NJ Attorney General Matt Platkin’s) investigation validates exactly what I’ve been documenting since I filed my lawsuit…”
He noted the collusion of large, powerful landlords and developers work to collude despite rent control laws.
Weller further stated Jersey City has strong rent control laws and yet they have been found to have many loopholes.
“This paradox illustrates how these algorithmic systems were designed specifically to circumvent regulations meant to protect tenants … This ordinance represents an important step to addressing our affordability crisis. I’m heartened to see the city is following suit,” Weller said.
Brendan Coughlin noted that Trusts used to regularly collude in the 19th century before the Trust-busting President Theodore Roosevelt (R) sought to rein them in.
Jessica Brann said that they artificially inflate rents with Real Page, outpacing legitimate demand.
“It appears the majority of you are not paying attention because you’re looking at your phones. Since 2021, my rent has increased by over 50 percent,” she noted.
“If Equity raises the rent … as they did last year, I may not be able to stay. This apartment has been my home. I’m deeply concerned that by the Fall, nothing will have changed. I know I’m not alone. The longer this continues…, the more stress tenants are forced to carry,” noted Stephanie Horvath said.
Additionally, 32BJ SEIU Political Director Adrian Orozco praised the council for introducing the ordinances as well.
“Vote in favor of them at the next council meeting. Outdated standards have left too many building workers … struggle to get by… even as developers reap enormous profits,” Orozco declared.
He said most workers laboring in luxury towers are struggling to make ends meet.
Joe Tarrazi said he is a concierge in a luxury building and a lifelong city resident. He said wages have been stagnant while residents can be very demanding.
“We deserve a fair share of the wealth we create,” he argued.
