I sent a referral in to the California Department of Justice/Antitrust Division when I ran into this at an Archstone (now Equity) property in Los Angeles. Didn't do me any good at the time, but hopefully they'll start investigating and prosecuting if people demand it.
The company that was given exclusive rights to provide service was plainly advertising a kickback program on their website before, but it looks like they've cleaned that up since.
"""
As property owners, managers and business people, you have a captive audience of resident consumers... we consider it our mission to continue to offer more profitable ways to maximize ancillary income from your residents and customers. Consolidated is your proven resource to increase ancillary profit with:
- Coin Laundry Systems
- Smart Card Systems
- Satellite Television
- High Speed Internet
- Domestic Appliances
"""
Turning customers into captives? Kickbacks? Sounds like the kind of work that would violate Sherman Antitrust or RICO Act provisions.
