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RealPage acquires Livble: What does it mean for renters?

RealPage acquires Livble, marking a major shift in how rent will be paid and collected across thousands of U.S. rental units. Known for its algorithmic rent-setting software, RealPage is now entering the rent collection space by purchasing Livble—a platform that allows tenants to split monthly rent into four flexible payments. This move gives RealPage access to new revenue streams and deeper control over tenant payment behavior, just as the company faces increased scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice over alleged rent price manipulation. Renters are now asking: will this make paying rent easier, or just more expensive?

How Livble fits into RealPage’s rent-setting ecosystem

Livble advertises itself as a tenant-friendly tool designed to reduce financial stress. By breaking up rent into manageable installments, tenants can avoid late fees, bypass credit card charges, and even build credit history. However, each installment comes with a $30 to $40 fee, which raises concerns about whether this "helpful" option is truly affordable. Now that RealPage acquires Livble, it plans to fully integrate this service into its suite of property management tools—making RealPage a one-stop shop for both setting and collecting rent.

Legal pressure mounts as RealPage expands its influence

The acquisition comes at a time when RealPage is already under legal fire. The U.S. Department of Justice, along with multiple states, has filed a lawsuit accusing the company of facilitating rent inflation through its pricing algorithm. Critics say the software leverages confidential data from landlords to push rents higher across markets. George Slover from the Center for Democracy and Technology calls the Livble deal a “bold move” considering RealPage’s ongoing legal challenges, warning that the DOJ may view this as an attempt to eliminate competition.

Could RealPage’s latest move backfire?

While the acquisition gives RealPage more power over the entire rent cycle—from pricing to payment—it also puts a spotlight on its market dominance. Lawmakers like Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have already raised concerns about RealPage’s use of algorithms, particularly as AI regulation gains traction nationwide. By owning Livble, RealPage may draw further criticism for deepening its control over tenant financial behavior. As scrutiny intensifies, the question remains whether this move will help or harm renters already stretched thin in a tough housing market.