The rental market is moving fast. Here are the trends shaping prices and vacancy—and what they mean for tenants and landlords.

Demand & absorption

• Urban cores are stabilizing as return-to-office settles into 2–3 days/week.

• Family-sized rentals (3+ bedrooms) remain scarce in many cities.

• Student-adjacent neighborhoods see early spikes each summer.

Pricing & concessions

• Asking rents are sticky, but effective rents adjust via free weeks, parking credits, or reduced deposits.

• Renewal strategies: modest increases with maintenance perks often outperform big jumps + turnover costs.

Supply pipeline

• New deliveries lift vacancy temporarily; quality and location decide resilience.

• Build-to-rent (BTR) communities expand in suburban rings—watch amenities, pets, and parking policies.

Tenant priorities

• In-unit laundry, energy efficiency (lower bills), pet-friendly rules, and solid internet trump luxury finishes.

• Transparent maintenance SLAs win renewals.

Landlord playbook

• Price to the market weekly; stale listings cost more than an early 2–3% adjustment.

• Professional photos and tidy staging pay off.

• Offer flexible lease terms (10–13 months) to avoid renewals in slow seasons.

Tenant tips

• Time your search 4–6 weeks before move date; bring digital docs.

• Ask about average utilities, noise, and building rules.

• Consider total commuting cost/time not just rent.