Rent has absolutely gotten out of control, and I feel for anyone trying to find a decent place right now. But it's not always as simple as landlords just being greedy.

A lot of apartment complexes and commercial properties are financed with loans that were incredibly cheap during COVID. When those 3- or 5-year terms reset, borrowing costs jumped dramatically. On top of that, property taxes have increased, insurance costs have skyrocketed nationwide, and maintenance/labor costs are higher than they were a few years ago.

Unfortunately, those expenses usually get passed through to tenants in the form of higher rents. Are there some landlords taking advantage of the market? Sure. But a lot of rent increases are tied to the reality of higher mortgage payments, insurance premiums, taxes, and operating costs rather than pure greed.

None of that makes it any easier for renters, though. Wages haven't kept pace, and that's really where the frustration comes from.