Sunbelt region

Renters across the United States are bracing for a moderate increase in rental costs this year, with market forecasters predicting a two-percent rise in asking rents for new leases nationwide. This projected increase is significantly lower than the double-digit spikes seen during the pandemic years but is influenced by various regional factors and economic conditions.

The ongoing affordability crisis in the home-sales market, the least affordable in decades, is prompting more renters to stay in their current homes rather than purchasing new properties. This trend is putting upward pressure on rental prices as demand remains high and. . .