Houston Rental Market

Houston: Sustained demand continues for single-family rentals

HOUSTON — (June 18, 2025) — The Houston rental market mirrored the sales sector in May, showing strong demand and more options for people looking for a place to live.

According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ May 2025 Rental Market Update, leased listings of single-family homes rose to 4,602. This is a 7.7 percent increase from the 4,272 leases signed during the same time last year.

The market blossomed with an influx of new rentals. Realtors added 6,672 new listings to the Multiple Listing Service compared to 5,699 units in May 2024, which represents an increase of 17.1 percent. Homes stayed on the market for a little longer, moving from 35 days to 39 days. 

The average lease price held steady at $2,349, which is nearly identical to last May’s $2,348. 

“The stable pricing and expanded inventory make the rental search more manageable and offers predictability in budgeting,” said HAR Chair Shae Cottar with LPT Realty. “As potential homebuyers navigate some economic uncertainties, many are continuing to choose to rent for greater flexibility and affordability.”

Townhome and condominium rental activity trailed 2024 levels for the seventh month in a row. In May, leases of those properties were down 9.0 percent year-over-year, with 698 units leased compared to 767 last year. The average lease price was statistically flat at $1,996.

New listings increased 9.4 percent to 1,133 units. The average time it took to lease one of these properties increased slightly to 46 days from 44 days last May.