Competition Bureau issues warning on rental price fixing

Canada’s federal competition watchdog has sent a warning on price collusion to landlords and property managers, provoking both condemnation and questions about how price-fixing might arise.

“The Competition Bureau is aware that some landlords and property managers may be engaging with their competitors, including through discussion groups on social media. While some discussions between competitors may be justified, others could be illegal,” warned the bulletin from the Competition Bureau of Canada issued on June 25. It noted that some agreements to fix prices are criminal offences with the potential for prison sentences.