Thursday, February 12, 2026

Is the Rental Market in the “Upside Down”?

The rental market is shifting — and if you’re a landlord, you’re feeling it. In this episode of the Rent Perfect Podcast, David Pickron and Scot Aubrey break down what they’re seeing firsthand in 2026: fewer quality applicants, more “Is it still available?” button pushers, affordability pressure, and changing platform dynamics on Zillow and Facebook Marketplace. David shares real stories from his own vacancies — including why one property sat longer than expected and what that reveals about today’s rental pool. They discuss: Why applicant quality feels different right now The hidden risks of lowering rent too far How affordability challenges are impacting renters Why tenant retention may be your strongest strategy Simple maintenance and communication moves that keep great tenants long-term The importance of staying slightly under market rent If you have a paying, communicative tenant who takes care of your property — this may not be the year to gamble on replacing them. Whether you’re a seasoned landlord or just buying your first rental, this episode will help you navigate the changing landscape and continue to Rent Perfect. 🏠 The Rent Perfect system helps investors become successful "lazy" landlords by managing efficiently with ease, starting with the initial application and background check, to leases and payment collection. Learn how to streamline your rental process at www.rentperfect.com