The Indicator from Planet Money · Tuesday, July 7, 2026
While the US as a whole is experiencing a renter's market, cities like Chicago present a contrasting reality due to significantly less new apartment construction. In Chicago, only about 20% of rentals offer move-in perks, with high demand leading to intense competition among renters.
“So this is a big caveat regarding the renter's market. It depends on where you live. Sure, places like Nashville went on apartment construction sprees offering all these renter freebies. Carson and Chloe visited Nashville recently and saw all that extra supply.”
“Only about 20% of Chicago rentals on Zillow are offering those financial move-in perks. There are just too many renters chasing not enough apartments.”
“He goes, it's okay, like I'll fill it. I have 12 showings after you.”