Rents are soaring across the US – in some cities as much as 30% in just one year

theguardian.com:

Andrew Amuso, a single father of a seven-year-old child in Phoenix, Arizona, has lived in the same apartment for eight years.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, his rent was about $900 a month. Last year, it was increased by $276 a month to $1,176 a month, and he has received a lease renewal this year with another large increase, to $1,585.65 a month.

“It’s greed, pure, unadulterated greed. If you saw my place, you would be shocked that I’m going to be paying over $1,500 a month,” said Amos. “When I asked why they’re raising the rent, they said it’s because they can. And they’re right. They can. Because in Arizona there’s no laws protecting renters.”

Despite the significant rent hikes he has received over the past two years, his apartment has remained unchanged. His roof has been leaking for two years whenever it rains and the property management company he rents from has ignored his constant requests to repair the problem.

“I’ve had to cut back on groceries, I can’t do extracurricular activities, and I don’t have a car right now. When my rent increased last year, I had a high car payment and had to give the car back and was hit with a garnishment,” added Amos.

The last of the pandemic rental assistance relief is running out in many states as rent prices have soared across the US, forcing many renters to relocate, take on greater financial burdens to pay rent, or face eviction if they are unable to pay.

The median monthly asking rent in the US increased 17% to $1,940 in March 2022 compared with one year ago, according to an analysis by RedFin. Several metro areas have experienced rent hikes of more than 30%, with more than 20% of renters in many of these areas behind on rent payments.

Shanti Singh, legislative director of the