The State of the U.S. Rental market

While the US economy has so far avoided the worst-feared outcomes of higher tariffs, there remains significant uncertainty and concern over outlook, which is driving caution among lenders. In our just-released Q2 2025 Lending Conditions Chartbook, we break down the latest economic developments and do a deep dive into credit conditions across product segments, regions, and lender types. Key insights include:

• Unemployment remains low, but there are ongoing signs of softening in the labor market.
• Real incomes have improved somewhat after softening for most of 2024, which may continue to support consumer spending.
• The housing market continues to be constrained by high prices and interest rates, which are impacting affordability.

Join Experian for an exclusive look into the forces reshaping the rental housing landscape. This webinar reveals how shifting renter demographics, rising affordability pressures, and evolving credit behaviors are impacting the market. Discover actionable insights on rent trends, payment risk, and the power of rent reporting—plus, get ahead of macroeconomic shifts influencing housing demand in 2025.

Economic uncertainty is often seen as a deterrent to growth, but for many Americans, it’s become the fuel for a fresh start. As inflation wavers and traditional employment structures shift, more individuals are stepping out of corporate roles to pursue business ownership. In this week’s Commercial Pulse Report, we take a closer look at what’s driving this wave of entrepreneurial activity.

Check out the full report to see how these trends could impact your strategy!

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The 2025 U.S. rental market reflects broader economic conditions, shaped by shifting market forces and ongoing uncertainty. Landlords and property managers are navigating a complex landscape where understanding renter behavior, affordability challenges, and macroeconomic pressures is key to maintaining stable occupancy. By staying informed on these trends, they can better attract and retain long-term tenants.

Key Insights:

• Renter Financial Pressure: Renters across all demographics are facing rising debt and affordability issues, impacting their housing stability.
• Rent-to-Income Imbalance: Rent prices continue to rise faster than incomes, increasing the financial burden on tenants nationwide.
• Macroeconomic Impact: Factors like interest rates, unemployment, and housing development are reshaping rental market dynamics.
• Strategic Adaptation Needed: Landlords must adapt to evolving renter preferences and market conditions to ensure long-term success.