US Single-Family Rent Growth Slows in April

On Thursday, Cotality reported that single-family rent prices increased 1.4% year-over-year in April, continuing to slow from the 2.8% gain recorded in April 2025.

High-end rents rose 2.1% year-over-year, down from 3.3% a year earlier, while low-end rents increased 0.6%, down from 2.4%. Detached rental rents increased 1.1%, while attached rental rents rose 1.0%.

Regionally, rent growth was led by Chicago, up 5.5%; Philadelphia, up 3.0%; New York, up 2.6%; and Detroit, up 1.8%. Several Sun Belt markets stabilized or softened, including Dallas, down 0.6%; Los Angeles, down 0.5%; Miami, down 0.4%; and Houston, down 0.1%.

Commenting on the report, Cotality Senior Principal Economist Molly Boesel said:

“Single-family rent growth has shifted into a slower gear, with annual gains continuing to ease even as monthly increases remain in line with typical seasonal patterns. Since Fall 2025, annual rent growth has held within a narrow range of about 1% to 1.5%, signaling that the market has settled into a more stable phase after the sharper deceleration seen earlier.

Growth continues to diverge by segment and region, with higher-priced rentals still outperforming lower-priced homes. Regionally, Midwestern and Northeastern markets such as Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York are driving stronger gains, with Chicago up 5.5% year over year, while some Sun Belt markets, including Miami and Los Angeles, are flat or declining. With annual gains remaining subdued and fewer markets posting declines, rent growth appears to be holding steady at a low level rather than building momentum going forward.”