In an economy where companies like Blackrock are allowed to purchase entire neighborhoods and fix prices, Redfin reports a 13% increase in rent nationwide last year alone. This is the highest growth rate in two years, and these rates are only outpaced by mortgage payments, which went up 17%.  

"Fast-rising rents could contribute to inflation woes," said Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather. Some metro areas, including those in Texas, Florida and New York, saw a rental price increase of over 30%. 

Houstin, Texas in particular saw an increase of 11%. Just 160 miles away, however, Austin saw a 20% larger spike of 31%. The average monthly rent payment in Austin is $2,235 and in Houston the average monthly payment is $1,730.

So why is affordable housing such a commodity? The pandemic, for one, is a factor. The nature of the pandemic has been ever-changing, and rental offers flexibility. Supply is low, and demand is skyrocketing. As a result, landlords are raising their prices.