Over the past few years, the U.S. has experienced historically high rent increases. Factors such as inflation, low housing inventory, interest rate hikes, and increased demand for rentals contributed to the spike. In many markets, these trends continue to push prices higher—though at a slower pace than in the past few years.
What’s Driving Rent Increases?
Several key factors are behind the upward pressure on rent:
- Low housing supply: New construction is lagging behind demand in many areas.
- High mortgage rates: Prospective homebuyers are choosing to rent longer, increasing rental demand.
- Urban migration: More people are returning to cities post-pandemic, which boosts demand in urban areas.
- Inflation: Rising costs of maintenance, insurance, and property taxes are passed on to tenants.
All of this leaves landlords in a unique position. You need to price competitively—but wisely—while also protecting your investment. That’s where strong tenant screening becomes more critical than ever.
How Tenant Screening Can Help You Stay Ahead
In a rising-rent environment, tenant screening and tenant background checks serve as essential tools. You need tenants who pay on time, treat your property with respect, and are in it for the long haul. A vacancy can be far more costly than keeping rent steady or slightly below market rate.
At Tenant Screening Center, we help landlords across the country make informed leasing decisions. Our services include:
- Comprehensive tenant background checks
- Tenant credit reports
- Income verification and rental history
- Eviction records and risk scoring
The goal? To help you find tenants who will be fair to you—and help avoid costly evictions or damages.
Adjusting Rent in a Smart, Legal Way
While many landlords are tempted to raise rent as high as possible, it’s vital to consider:
- State and local rent control laws
- Market comps and rental listings nearby
- Long-term tenant retention vs. turnover costs
Raising rent incrementally with proper notice, clear communication, and a strong value offering is typically the best path forward. Especially in markets like California, Oregon, or Washington, understanding local tenant laws is key.
What Should Landlords Do Right Now?
Here’s our advice to landlords:
- Watch market trends closely – Stay up to date with local and national reports.
- Review your tenant screening process – A good tenant can reduce turnover and late payments.
- Be strategic with rent increases – Don’t outprice reliable tenants without cause.
- Know your legal rights – Ensure your lease agreements and notices comply with local laws.
Verify Before You Trust™
At Tenant Screening Center, our motto is simple: Verify Before You Trust. Whether the rental market is booming or stabilizing, the right tenant makes all the difference. Our screening tools are designed to help you protect your income and your property.
Ready to take the guesswork out of leasing?
Visit TSCI.com today to learn how we can support your rental business with the most reliable screening services available.
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