If hunting for an apartment in Chicago felt brutal at the end of 2025, that was not your imagination. Units across the metro typically leased in roughly 32 days, putting Chicago second only to Miami on a national rental “heat” index. Nationwide, a year-end competitiveness gauge climbed, pointing to fewer move-in-ready units and tougher battles for mid-market apartments. The squeeze hit major metros and smaller college towns alike, leaving renters chasing a shrinking pool of available listings.
RentCafe’s Year-End Numbers Point To A Tighter Market
According to RentCafe, the national Rental Competitiveness Index finished the year at 75.2, up from 74.4 the year before, reflecting shorter vacancy periods and higher occupancy. RentCafe explains that the…..