Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies recently released its full 2026 America's Rental Housing Report. According to its findings, the number of renters with cost burdens has reached another record high. Rents for new leases show modest declines and vacancy rates are ticking up. Multifamily construction is cooling and reductions in federal safety net programs are forcing state and local governments to fill the gaps. Meanwhile, the nation’s aging rental stock faces investment needs that threaten access to safe, affordable homes.
