US rents hit a record high for the 17th month in a row | CNN Business (2024)

Rents hit a record high in July for the 17th month in a row, putting ever more pressure on renters.

The national median rent hit a new record high of $1,879 a month in July, up 12.3% from a year ago, according to Realtor.com. While rents have been hitting new records for nearly a year and a half, there are some early signs that the market may be starting to cool off: July marked the sixth-straight month of moderating growth, retreating from a 17% year-over-year rent increase in January.

Still, rents rose by double-digit percentages in all size categories in July compared to a year ago, with monthly rents for studios up 14.3% to $1,555; one-bedrooms, up 12.2% to $1,745; and two-bedrooms, up 11.7% to $2,103.

The South and Northeast have seen the largest rent increases. Miami, where rents were up 26.2% from a year ago, saw the biggest increase among the 50 largest US cities for the 10th-straight month. Miami was followed by New York, Boston, Chicago, and Orlando.

Many renters have been scrambling to find a rental they can afford or opting to absorb a rent increase on their current place. But moving into a new apartment has been costlier for renters, according to a survey from Avail included in the Realtor.com report.

Renters have experienced bigger price hikes on new leases – an increase of about $300 a month over their prior rent, on average – compared to renewals, which averaged about a $160 a month jump.

“Whether in a downtown area or suburb, staying put or making a change, renters are stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to affordability,” said Danielle Hale, Realtor.com’s chief economist.

Rents rising everywhere, even in ‘affordable’ suburbs

After being hit hard during the pandemic, urban rents are climbing slightly faster than those in suburban areas, with rent growth in cities up 12.8% compared to an 11.7% year-over-year increase in July for suburban areas, according to Realtor.com. That’s a reversal from January 2021, when urban rent fell by 2.5% year-over-year and suburban rent grew by 3.9%.

Still, the rental landscape isn’t back to its pre-pandemic picture. While cities are still pricier, the gap between urban and city rents has narrowed. A renter would have paid a 12.4% premium to live in an urban area in July 2019, but that premium was only 5.8% – or $107 a month – in July 2022.

“Compared to three years ago when rental price premiums were typically concentrated in urban hubs, renting is now nearly as expensive in the suburbs, where the rise in remote work has driven a surge in demand,” said Hale.

She said the days of lower premiums for downtown rentals are numbered, as a return to in-office work and the appeal of city life is sparking a relative uptick in urban rent growth.

“Put simply, renters are feeling it everywhere,” said Hale.

Rent growth expected to cool

But there may be some relief ahead.

“July data shows rent growth is leveling off at a relatively cooler pace than in 2021,” said Hale.

Although 72% of landlords reported plans to raise rents within the next year, the rate held steady in the second quarter over the previous quarter after jumping substantially from January to April, according to the quarterly survey of landlords and renters by Avail.

When asked why they plan on raising rents, landlords cited higher costs for property management expenses, including tax payments, maintenance and upkeep and utilities. In addition, fewer landlords plan to sell properties in July compared to January, now that the sales market has cooled and rents have soared, according to the survey.

“Like renters, landlords are feeling financial pains from the inflationary economy,” said Ryan Coon, Avail co-founder and VP of Rentals at Realtor.com.

US rents hit a record high for the 17th month in a row | CNN Business (2024)

FAQs

US rents hit a record high for the 17th month in a row | CNN Business? ›

Rents hit a record high in July for the 17th month in a row, putting ever more pressure on renters. The national median rent hit a new record high of $1,879 a month in July, up 12.3% from a year ago, according to Realtor.com.

What is the most a landlord can raise rent? ›

Raising rent in California

Landlords are allowed to raise rent by a maximum of 10% every 12 months.

Did rent go up during 2008 recession? ›

There were quite a few recessions between 1940 and 2000, but we can also look at 2008 to evaluate rent pricing during a recession. Between 2007 and 2011, the worst years of the 2008 Recession, rental prices increased.

Do rents rise or fall in a recession? ›

What Happens to Rents in a Recession? Rents can go both up and down in a recession. The location of a rental property and how hard the local economy is hit by a recession will dictate whether rents go up, down or stay the same.

Who has the highest rent increase in the United States? ›

Key findings on rent increase
RankState2021–2022 Rent change
1Florida22.59%
2Tennessee18.61%
3South Dakota18.41%
4New York18.23%
44 more rows
Oct 20, 2022

How much can a landlord raise rent in California in 2023? ›

For rent-controlled units, the annual allowable increase amount effective March 1, 2023 through February 29, 2024 is 3.6%. This amount is based on 60% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers in the Bay Area, which was 6% as posted in November 2022 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

How many days notice must be given for rent increase in California? ›

For an increase in rent that is 10 percent or less (in any 12-month period), owners must provide tenants with at least 30-days' advance notice. If an owner gives more than one rent increase per year and those increases total more than 10 percent, the owner must give tenants a 60-day advance notice.

Is a recession coming in 2023? ›

Halfway through 2023, "The market has told us: no recession, no correction, no more rate hikes," Amanda Agati, chief investment officer for PNC Financial Services Asset Management Group, said in a report.

Can you negotiate rent? ›

The short answer is, yes. You can negotiate your rent. When you're renting an apartment, the price you pay isn't set in stone. But before you even consider negotiating, you need to make sure you know why you're asking for a discount.

What was the biggest cause of the housing crash in 2008? ›

The crash was primarily caused by a combination of factors, including the subprime mortgage crisis, high levels of debt, and a lack of regulation in the financial sector. This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the housing market crash of 2008 and compare it to the current state of the housing market.

Is it better to rent or buy a house in a recession? ›

In general, buying a home during a recession will get you a better deal. The number of foreclosures or owners who have to sell to stay afloat increases, typically leading to more homes available on the market and lower home prices.

Is it good to rent during a recession? ›

Fewer people want to commit to the considerable expense of buying homes during a recession, so they opt to rent instead. That means you not only have a good chance of renting out vacant units, but you also have more applicants to choose from and are more likely to find qualified tenants.

Will a recession cause a housing crash? ›

The short answer is: Absolutely not. Despite record-high inflation, real estate investors and homeowners should not be worried about it causing a drop in housing prices because real estate has always been the best hedge against inflation.

What state in the US has the cheapest rent? ›

Mississippi

Coming in as the cheapest state to live in in the United States is Mississippi with a cost of living index score of 83.3. It also has the lowest average housing costs in the nation at 33.7% below the national average. The median single family home costs around $140,818.

What state has the highest rent burden? ›

According to the report, the following three states topped the 30% rent-to-income ratios for the fourth quarter of 2022:
  • Florida.
  • Massachusetts.
  • New York.
Feb 1, 2023

What is the highest rent city in the USA? ›

The most expensive rental market in the US remains to be New York. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom is roughly $3,260. This is about a $500 decrease from 2021, however as demand continues to increase prices are likely to follow.

Can my landlord raise my rent 20% in California? ›

The Tenant Protection Act caps rent increases for most tenants in California. Landlords cannot raise rent annually more than 5% plus inflation according to the regional Consumer Price Index, for a maximum increase of 10% each year.

Where is there rent control in the United States? ›

As of 2022, seven states (California, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Maine, Oregon, and Minnesota) and the District of Columbia have localities in which some form of residential rent control is in effect (for normal structures, excluding mobile homes).

What are the 15 rent controlled cities in California? ›

Fifteen cities are currently listed as rent controlled by the State of California: These are: Alameda, Berkeley, Beverly Hills, East Palo Alto, Hayward, Los Angeles, Los Gatos, Mountain View, Oakland, Palm Springs, Richmond. San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Monica, and West Hollywood.

What a landlord Cannot do in California? ›

Under the Fair Housing Act, it's illegal for landlords to discriminate against a prospective tenant based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, familial status, or disability.

Who is exempt from California rent control? ›

A single family home is exempt unless it's owned by a real estate investment trust (REIT), a corporation, or an LLC where one of the members is a corporation. The owner must inform the renter in writing that the tenancy is not subject to the rent cap and just cause limitations.

What is the maximum amount a landlord may increase the rent according to California's new law AB 1482 )? ›

Rent Increase Limits under AB 1482

For covered units, annual rent increases are limited to no more than 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living for the region in which the property is located, or 10% whichever is lower.

Are we heading into a depression? ›

Many economists agree that the U.S. is, for now, not in a recession. The most recent gross domestic product report published last week showed the U.S. economy grew by 2.9% in the fourth quarter of 2022, following growth of 3.2% in the quarter before.

How long will 2023 recession last us? ›

In a best-case scenario, the U.S. will likely see a 'soft landing' with low/slow growth across 2023 before picking up in 2024. However, a downside scenario is a real possibility and could see the U.S. enter a prolonged recession lasting well into 2024, as is currently forecast for the UK and Germany.

How do you make money in a recession? ›

3 Ways to Get Rich During a Recession
  1. Invest as much as you can. The easiest way to get rich during a recession is to invest as much money into the stock market as you can. ...
  2. Protect your income. Stable income is a key part of personal finance success, including building wealth. ...
  3. Cut back on expenses.
Jan 14, 2023

What month is the cheapest to rent an apartment? ›

The lowest rental rates are usually found between October and April, particularly right after the December holiday season. Fewer people are interested in moving—the weather's bad, schools are in session, etc. So individuals renting between the months of December and March typically find the best rental bargains.

How do you politely ask for rent? ›

Five Creative Ways To Ask For Your Rent Payment
  1. Offer An Alternative Payment Method. ...
  2. Set Up A New Collection Date (And Stick To It) ...
  3. Sit-Down Conversation. ...
  4. Set Up Rental Payment Reminders. ...
  5. Offer A Prompt Payment Discount.
Nov 26, 2019

Who was president when the housing market crashed? ›

In 1995 Clinton loosened housing rules by rewriting the Community Reinvestment Act, which put added pressure on banks to lend in low-income neighborhoods.

Who profited from the 2008 housing crisis? ›

Michael Burry rose to fame after he predicted the 2008 U.S. housing crash and managed to net $100 million in personal profits, and another $700 million for his investors with a few lucrative, out-of-consensus bets.

What happens to my mortgage if the economy collapses? ›

Recessions and housing market crashes may cause your house's value to decrease. However, your set mortgage rates won't lower, meaning your monthly payments will be higher than your home's worth. While many may dip into their savings to help pay the steep bills, others may need outside assistance.

Do food prices go down in a recession? ›

Because people have less money to spend, demand falls, taking the prices of many goods and services with it. Because a decline in disposable income affects prices, the prices of essentials, such as food and utilities, often stay the same.

How long did it take for house prices to recover after 2008? ›

Delving Into 2008's Recession

Home prices fully recovered by late 2012. If someone bought a house at the very peak of the recession in 2007 and held the property for 5 years, they made money in appreciation after 2012. It took 3.5 years for the recovery to begin after the recession began.

How long do recessions last? ›

Recessions over the last half a century have ranged from 18 months to just two months. Federal Reserve economists believe the next downturn may stick around for longer than usual.

How much did rent drop in 2008? ›

According to MPF Research, nominal rents for large invest- ment-grade apartment properties slipped 0.3 percent in 2008 and then dropped 4.1 percent in 2009—both declines outpacing the change in overall prices.

Is owning property good in a recession? ›

There are several reasons to consider buying a home during recessions - the two main reasons are less competition and lower prices. There are also several potential drawbacks, like sky-high interest rates, a floor on pricing decreases and potential income changes if the U.S. does officially slide into a recession.

What happens to rental income in a recession? ›

The good news for real estate investors is that rents don't actually drop during recessions. People still need to live somewhere, regardless of how gross domestic product changes. In fact, recessions can even drive up demand for rental properties. Fewer people can afford to buy homes and become homeowners, after all.

Will house prices go down in 2023 usa? ›

Although home prices are expected to improve in the second half of the year, the California median home price is projected to decrease by 5.6 percent to $776,600 in 2023, down from the median price of $822,300 recorded in 2022.

Will the housing market crash in 2024? ›

Despite the fact that there are some troubling trends in the housing market, we're likely not going to see a crash in 2023 or 2024. While house prices are likely to drop, demand for housing caused by America's ongoing housing shortage is likely to keep prices relatively stable.

Will mortgage rates go down in 2024? ›

Fannie Mae, Mortgage Bankers Association and National Association of Realtors expect mortgage rates to drop through the first quarter of 2024, by half a percentage point to about nine-tenths of a percentage point. Figures are the predicted quarterly average rates for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

Is there a limit to rent increase in Arizona? ›

How much can a landlord raise your rent with a new lease or new rental? There is effectively no limit on rental increases, as this authority is preempted by the state under A.R.S. § 33-1329.

Is there a limit on rent increase in Massachusetts? ›

Rent Increases: There is no legal limit to the amount of rent a landlord can charge. However, in order for the rent increase to be valid, the landlord must provide the tenant proper notice of the raise in rent and the tenant must agree to it (signs the lease with the new monthly rent).

How much can rent be raised in Las Vegas? ›

In Nevada, there is no state law that limits the amount a landlord can raise the rent. However, landlords must provide proper notice to tenants before raising the rent, and it's important to keep in mind that the rent increase must be reasonable.

Is there a limit to rent increase in New York City? ›

no limit on how much your landlord can increase your rent. However, your landlord must give you advanced written notice before they can raise your rent 5% or more. advance written notice. This applies to month-to-month tenants without a lease as well.

Will rent go down in 2023 Arizona? ›

For example, the Phoenix metro area is projected to experience a 0.9% decline in housing prices by the end of February 2023, followed by a further 1.6% decline by the end of April 2023. However, the market is expected to rebound slightly by the end of January 2024 with a 0.2% increase in prices.

Is it legal to raise rent by 30% in Arizona? ›

How Much Can Arizona Landlords Raise in Monthly Rent? As long as you get the tenant notified in time, you can raise the rent by any amount you consider appropriate. Currently, there aren't any legal limits on how much landlords can raise Arizona rent.

How much notice is required for rent increase in Arizona? ›

Yes. The owner must notify the PHA of any changes in the amount of the rent to owner at least sixty days before any such changes go into effect.

Does a landlord have to provide a refrigerator in Massachusetts? ›

You are not required to provide a refrigerator, but if you do, it must be maintained by the landlord in good working order. Water: If you meet certain legal requirements, you may charge a new tenant for water consumption by installing a water meter for the unit.

What is the penalty for renting an illegal apartment in Massachusetts? ›

The legislation would subject landlords who keep illegal apartments to up to 21/2 years in jail. Inspectors would be able to seek a criminal complaint in district court against these landlords, and also fine them $15,000.

Can a landlord ask for first last and security in Massachusetts? ›

Landlords are allowed to collect the first and last month's rent, a security deposit equal to one month's rent and money for the purchase and installation costs for a lock and key.

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