Brenden Taylor, a Marine, and his family faced challenges finding affordable housing near Camp Pendleton in Southern California due to rising rents. Research shows that from 2021 to 2023, median U.S. rent increased 25% while renters’ median household incomes only rose 5%. Active-duty service members and their families, who receive housing allowances, are struggling to cover their housing costs, with only 26% reporting that the allowance covered their monthly costs last year. Concerned about price hikes, 15 Senate Democrats are urging the Defense Department to investigate the role of RealPage Inc., a property management software company, in driving up rents with its system.
RealPage denies the allegations and has moved to dismiss the lawsuit, stating that its system complies with the law and enhances competition. The Defense Department must protect military families from predatory housing practices and ensure taxpayer dollars are not benefiting unscrupulous landlords. Rising housing costs have a significant impact on service members and their families, with the Department increasing housing allowances to try and keep up. Factors contributing to rising costs include increased demand, corporate and private equity-backed landlords buying up housing, and high interest rates leading more people to rent instead of buying. As housing costs rise, fewer families are likely to recommend military service to others, highlighting the importance of addressing the financial stability of military families for national security.
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