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HF 1142

Use of tenant screening software that uses nonpublic competitor data to set rent prohibited, and use of software that is biased against protected classes prohibited.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Howard and 3 co-sponsors

Prohibits landlords from using tenant screening software that relies on nonpublic competitor data to set rent or that yields bias against protected classes, protecting renters.

Author added Jones
#datapracticesandprivacy #housingandhousingfinanceagency #landlordsandtenants
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 1142

HF 1142 — Use of tenant screening software prohibitions

Purpose and intent

HF 1142 seeks to promote fair housing and pricing practices by prohibiting two practices related to tenant screening software:
- Using nonpublic competitor data to set rent.
- Using software that is biased against protected classes.

The bill aims to curb reliance on opaque data sources and automated tools that could lead to discriminatory or unfair rental decisions.

Key provisions (as described)

  • Prohibition on any landlord or property manager using tenant screening software that uses nonpublic competitor data to determine or set rent.
  • Prohibition on using tenant screening software that yields biased outcomes against protected classes.
  • Definitions, enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and specific operational standards are not detailed in the provided summary and would appear in the full text.

Note: The summary provided does not include explicit definitions of “nonpublic competitor data,” “tenant screening software,” or “protected classes,” nor does it specify exemptions or enforcement procedures.

Who would be affected

  • Landlords, property owners, and property managers who use tenant screening software to set rents or evaluate applicants.
  • Tenant screening software vendors and developers who supply tools used by landlords (to the extent their products are used for rent-setting or screening outcomes that could be biased).
  • Renters/tenants who would benefit from protections against biased or data practices that use nonpublic data.

Relationship to related legislation

  • Companion bill: SF 2087 (Minnesota Senate). HF 1142 has a corresponding companion measure in the Senate.
  • The two bills likely share the same core prohibitions and intent, subject to differences in language or scope.

Procedural history and status

  • Introduced: February 19, 2025.
  • First reading and referral: Referred to Housing Finance and Policy.
  • Author updates:
    • February 20, 2025: Additional authors Sencer-Mura and Norris added.
    • February 24, 2025: Jones added as an author.
  • Overall status: The bill is in early legislative action with referrals and author amendments ongoing.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Fair housing: Could reduce discriminatory rent practices and improve transparency in rent-setting decisions.
  • Data privacy: Addresses concerns about use of nonpublic data in determining rents.
  • Compliance costs: May impose new obligations on landlords and software vendors to ensure their tools do not rely on nonpublic data or produce biased outcomes.
  • Enforcement: Details on enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and oversight are not provided in the summary; future text would clarify agency responsibilities and remedies.

Next steps

  • Review the full bill text for precise definitions, exemptions, enforcement provisions, effective dates, and any required reporting.
  • Monitor the companion SF 2087 for parallel language and treatment in the Senate.
  • Track committee hearings and amendments for nuances in scope and implementation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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