Rental Market

Nationwide, rents and the cost of living are increasing. Eviction filings are "a great indicator of housing insecurity," says a researcher from Princeton University's Eviction Lab.

It’s a familiar rule: People should not spend more than 30% of their income on housing. But for many who rent in St. Louis, that percentage has long been higher.

New data from a rental company shows Missouri had the biggest increase in the median price of rent. Other statistics put St. Louis among the top 10 cities with change in price.

Missouri landlords were found to cash in on the State Assistance for Housing Relief program even as they failed to provide basic maintenance and upkeep.

Over the past six months, rent prices have decreased in every region except for the Midwest, where a housing shortage and a competitive market are keeping rent high.

Eviction filings have always come fast and cheap in Missouri — a legacy of Missouri’s long history of weak tenant protections. Now, eviction filings are happening faster than before the pandemic.

St. Louis’ assessor says some Airbnb and Vrbo hosts are running unlicensed businesses. They need to pay up.

The Board of Aldermen returns in September, when a handful of bills designed to help tenants are likely to be introduced.

“We’re finding that some of these short-term rentals, if not managed appropriately, can be harmful for the housing market for residents who live in our city,” said the Board of Aldermen president.

Housing experts say goals to build more moderate-cost housing to St. Louis County could founder without incentives. Developers are less likely to build…