Key facts
- 20% of working-age renters missed or were late on rent in 2025.
- The share of middle-income renters reporting rent payment problems increased from 14.3% in 2024 to 21.6% in 2025.
- 20.7% of working-age renters had trouble paying utility bills in 2025.
- 8.9% of renters aged 65 and older reported rent payment difficulties in 2025.
A growing number of working-age renters are struggling to meet their housing and utility costs, with the share of those experiencing payment difficulties reaching its highest point since tracking began, according to forthcoming analysis from the Urban Institute. The study, which examined affordability trends from 2019 through 2025, found that one in five renters aged 18 to 64 reported failing to pay the full amount of rent or being late with a payment in 2025. This figure is up from 16.5% in 2024 and marks the highest recorded rate. The affordability challenges extend beyond the lowest-income households, with middle-income renters experiencing a particularly sharp increase in difficulties. The share of middle-income renters reporting rent payment problems rose from 14.3% in 2024 to 21.6% in 2025. Renters also faced increasing challenges with utility costs, with 20.7% unable to pay their heating and electricity bills in full in 2025. Renters aged 65 and older also reported difficulties, with 8.9% experiencing problems paying rent in 2025. This marks the first year older adults were included in the survey sample. Researchers noted that rising housing and essential costs leave households with less financial flexibility for unexpected expenses or income disruptions.