The Department of Justice (DoJ) has initiated a criminal investigation into Texas-based RealPage, a technology company whose YieldStar software is used by landlords across the U.S. to set rental prices. This probe, which began as a civil matter, focuses on allegations of price-fixing with large rental landlords and property managers. The investigation comes amid concerns that RealPage's proprietary algorithm, which collects sensitive data from competing landlords, might be harming competition and contributing to soaring rent prices. Critics argue that this could lead to a lack of competition in the rental market. In related real estate news, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and several brokerages have agreed to settle multiple lawsuits over commission structures, potentially leading to changes in how real estate agents are compensated. This settlement follows a $418 million payment earlier in the month and comes after a lawsuit argued that NAR's commission rules forced home sellers to pay inflated fees. The changes are expected to impact home buyers and sellers, with some experts questioning if the adjustments will make the market more manageable for buyers.