Rents Rise Most in 30 Years, Signaling More Pain for Americans

[forthemiddle]

10. Our rent went up 12.5%

Ours went up $150.00 for this year, and we signed a two year lease that promises another $150.00 next year.
We signed it because we were a little under market value for our area and we didn't want to risk another larger increase next year.
We are only expected to be here for 3 more years, and we really didn't want to add the expense of another move so we agreed to both increases.
On top of that, my husband drives for a living. On average it is 5,000 miles a month. Even though he is reimbursed at the Federal level, that unfortunately has not gone up as quickly as the price per gallon has. Thankfully he drives a hybrid.
So between rent, gas, and groceries I am not very positive on the economy this election season! (no that doesn't mean I will switch parties, it just puts a damper on my normal election excitement.)