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High Rents and Low Income are Driving Roommates Together

Howard County Rental Market Trends 2026 | Real Property Management

The Census Bureau recently reported that the home ownership rate in the United States is at a 20-year low, dropping to 64% at the end of last year. This was 1.2 percentage points lower than at the end of 2013. In addition, the rental vacancy rate during the fourth quarter of 2014 was 7% — 1.2 percentage points lower than the fourth quarter of 2013. How is your Howard County Rental Property Stacking up?
According to Zillow, the U.S. gained more than 770,000 new renters in 2014 and combined with rising rents across the country, created a cumulative amount paid in rent to $441 billion. As rents continue to rise faster than home values in most areas, expectations are for another increase in cumulative rent paid in 2015.
Zillow Chief Economist, Stan Humphries, says that since 2000, rents have grown at twice the pace of income due to weak income growth, burgeoning rental demand and insufficient growth in the supply of rental housing.
In conjunction with these findings, more and more adults are living with roommates because of high rents, high debt and low income. It’s not just millennials that are moving back in with mom and dad. The number of Americans living with roommates or adult family members jumped to more than a third of U.S. adults in 2012. This “doubling up” effect has created real opportunities for rental housing owners and investors.
Over 5 million households have been lost to doubling up which has created a coiled spring effect. According to Humphries, “All of these doubled-up households represent tremendous potential energy for the market. If and when these compressed households begin to unwind and these millions of Americans do start to create their own households, demand will bounce back, possibly even causing household growth to outpace population growth”.
More and more adults are living with roommates because of high rents, high debt and low income.
In other words, when these forced roommates make enough money to move out, the added need for rentals will surge as will home prices because there will suddenly be more demand.

2026 Rental Market Q&A for Landlords and Investors

What is the current rental vacancy rate in Maryland?
In early 2026, Maryland’s statewide rental vacancy rate is around 5%, with Howard County consistently below the average thanks to strong job growth and low housing supply. Areas like Ellicott City, Columbia, and Laurel remain some of the most competitive rental markets in the state.
Are rental prices still increasing in Howard County?
Yes — data from Zillow and local MLS sources show average rents in Howard County grew by about 6% through 2025, driven by limited inventory and ongoing population growth. Three-bedroom single-family homes and townhomes continue to lead in demand.
How can property investors take advantage of the current market?
With low vacancies and steady rent growth, now remains an ideal time to expand your rental portfolio in Howard County. Partnering with a professional firm like Real Property Management Metro in Howard County ensures your investment stays profitable and compliant with Maryland landlord laws.
Has the “doubling up” trend changed since COVID?
Definitely. While many adults consolidated households during the pandemic, data now shows those doubled-up renters are moving out again. This “unwinding” is fueling sustained demand for affordable, well-managed rental housing across Maryland.

How can landlords keep their properties competitive in 2026?
Focus on responsive maintenance, modern amenities, and transparent communication. Using our online tenant and owner portals, RPM Metro helps limit vacancy time and improve tenant satisfaction — key factors for maximizing ROI in today’s market.

If you’re currently searching for a rental home, the local experts at Real Property Management Metro offer great rental homes in Laurel. Contact us online or call 410-290-3285 to get started.

Updated March 4th, 2026


This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Readers should consult with licensed professionals regarding their specific circumstances.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

  1. Tenant Prime says:
    March 1, 2016 at 9:03 am

    Well its useful article and interesting post thanks for this one, and Tenant Prime gives best and useful service on virtual tenants and property managements all are provide here

    1. bjmc says:
      March 1, 2016 at 1:13 pm

      Thanks for the feedback.

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