This will be brief, and factual. Currently the entire country is experiencing ongoing high inflation, with an affordibility crisis that we have not seen since the late 70's. On September 30, 2026 I called HoM Flats, Feltch St in Holland, Michigan to inquire about a 1 bed 1 bath apt. I was informed by the leasing agent that a 1 bed, 1 bath, less than 700 sq ft apt, with no storage, no garage, no carport would cost over $1,900. Yes, you read that correct! I actually recorded the conversation. That is $450 more than what I am currently paying for a 2 bed, 1 bath apartment with a garage. He tried to B.S. me with market talk. No, this was all price gouging! There should be no way in hell a less than 700 sq ft apartment should cost more than $1,900 a month no matter how new the building is. Just think about it, that monthly rent cost is more than a mortgage for a new 3 bed, 2 bath, 2 stall garage home costing $250,000. And when you factor in all your utilities, the cost increases. These apartment owners want to keep folks in apartments. We cannot save because all of our discretionary spending is going towards high rent. We cannot save for a down payment towards an actual home. They know it, and they lobby our elected officials to prevent rent caps.
Folks, if we start fighting back against this corporate greed we can get back to some sense of affordability. read more