Relating to the use of certain algorithmic devices in the determination of residential rental prices.

HB 2491 prohibits landlords and software companies from using private competitor data (such as actual lease prices, occupancy rates, or lease dates) in algorithms that set residential rental prices. It bans the sale of tools that recommend specific rent amounts for properties and restricts the use of nonpublic competitor data in rent-setting algorithms. The bill allows algorithms to use publicly available, aggregated data (like neighborhood rent averages by zip code) as long as it’s shared at reasonable cost. This directly affects property management companies, rental platforms, and technology firms selling rent-setting software in Texas.