Could reviving lost housing models and corporate landlords actually lower urban rents?
As cities struggle with affordability, this video examines two unexpected indicators for lower rents: the historical resurgence of boarding houses and the surprising impact of corporate landlords on rental markets.
The program explores the history of single room occupancy units and boarding houses—housing types that once maintained low rents in American cities before nearly vanishing. It asks whether reconsidering these models could address modern affordability.
The discussion also challenges the common narrative regarding corporate landlords. While often blamed for rising costs, studies suggest their entry into a market can actually lower rents, even if their home purchases increase overall property buying prices. This is examined in the context of proposed Trump administration plans to restrict corporate home ownership.
Source: Two indicators for lowering the rent | Planet Money
