Rental prices in Tucson skyrocketing as eviction moratorium ends

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TUCSON, Arizona (KOLD News 13) – Rental rates in Tucson skyrocket as the eviction moratorium expired on Saturday.

“This is the biggest rent increase of my life, and I’ve lived in the Los Angeles area for a few decades,” said Philip Klein.

Klein and his elderly mother have lived in the same apartment in Tucson for five years. When it came time to re-sign his lease this summer, he was shocked.

“It’s been up about $ 3,500 a year,” he said. “Since unemployment was what it was and my mom has limited income, an increase of nearly $ 4,000 hits us hard.”

He’s not the only one seeing his rent increase. Rental prices have risen rapidly since the beginning of the pandemic. Jeff Andrews, a data journalist for Zumper, a home-hunting website, said two main drivers are driving a nationwide boom.

“There is a kind of ying-yang relationship between the housing market and the rental market,” said Andrews. “When real estate prices escalate so quickly, a lot of people who would otherwise own will remain priced out.”

He said Tucson’s growing population has also contributed to increasing demand for homes and apartments. According to Zumper’s National Rent Report, the price of a one-bedroom apartment in Tucson has increased more than 14 percent since that time in the past year. The rise in prices puts Tucsonans and Klein in a difficult position.

“The people who are in my position and I know that I am not the only one, people who are unemployed or just starting out. We’re in this incredible pit, ”said Klein.

Tucson and Pima Counties offer eviction prevention, rental and utility assistance to those entitled.

You can find more information on whether you are eligible and how to apply here.

Copyright 2021 KOLD News 13. All rights reserved.

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