Avenue5 and Bell Partners pay $1.4 million to settle rent-fixing claims | The Locally Times
The two landlords will pay $1.4 million to the District to resolve allegations of using RealPage software to coordinate apartment pricing.
Avenue5 Residential, LLC and Bell Partners, Inc. agreed to pay $1.4 million to settle allegations that the companies used RealPage, Inc. software to coordinate apartment rents. The DC Office of the Attorney General announced the settlement on June 12, 2026, resolving claims that the firms conspired with other landlords to set prices across more than 50,000 apartment units in the District. ## Settlement Terms The agreement requires both companies to change their rental pricing practices. The records do not specify whether the $1.4 million payment will result in direct financial restitution for current or former tenants. The Office of the Attorney General’s announcement does not detail a process for residents to claim funds or identify an eligibility window for affected renters. The settlement concludes the District’s legal action against these two firms. ## Montgomery County Data Center Moratorium County Executive Marc Elrich signed an executive order on June 12, 2026, establishing a six-month moratorium on new data center permit applications in Montgomery County. The order requires the County Council to finalize legislative frameworks regarding grid strain, water consumption, and noise impacts on residential communities. The order does not affect existing projects or current utility service. ## Arlington Property Tax Increase The Arlington County Board adopted an FY 2025 budget that increases the base real estate tax rate by 2 cents to $1.033 per $100 of assessed value. For a home assessed at $500,000, this 2-cent increase adds $100 to the annual tax bill. The board allocated the revenue to affordable housing and eviction prevention programs. ## Key Questions **Will I receive a refund because of the settlement?** The settlement requires Avenue5 Residential and Bell Partners to pay $1.4 million to the District, but the records do not state if current or former tenants are eligible for direct financial restitution. **What does the Montgomery County data center moratorium mean for me?** The six-month pause on new permits is intended to prevent potential grid strain and infrastructure issues, though it does not affect existing projects or current utility service. **Why did Arlington real estate taxes increase?** The Arlington County Board increased the base real estate tax rate by 2 cents to $1.033 per $100 of assessed value to fund affordable housing and eviction prevention programs.