housing affordability in the u.s. is reaching new extremes, with the average rent now at $3,000 per month. landlords usually require tenants to earn three times that rent to qualify, meaning about $9,000 a month or $108,000 per year. this trend is creating serious challenges for middle-class and even higher-income renters, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing solutions, stronger tenant protections, and wage growth that keeps up with rising costs.
