The Impact of Private Equity on Rental Properties in America

Core Concepts

Private equity firms like Greystar are transforming the rental market, leading to increased rents and deteriorating living conditions for tenants.

Abstract

Private equity-backed firms, such as Greystar, have significantly impacted the rental housing market by acquiring thousands of apartments and implementing aggressive profit-driven strategies. Tenants at properties like the Olume building in San Francisco experienced soaring rents, decreased quality of management, and safety concerns after private equity takeovers. The influx of private equity has exacerbated the affordable housing crisis, with firms prioritizing profits over tenant well-being. Despite concerns raised by tenants and advocates, these firms continue to influence market rates and resist reforms that could benefit renters.

Stats

Private equity-backed firms held roughly a million apartments last year.
Large private equity firms accounted for 85% of Freddie Mac’s biggest apartment complex deals.
Greystar's purchase of the Olume was part of a nearly $1.8 billion deal with Freddie Mac.
Between 2018 and 2019, profits at the Olume rose by 24%.

Quotes

"Many times we take over an asset that perhaps was managed by a smaller organization that hasn’t been focused on the bottom line." - Bob Faith, CEO of Greystar Real Estate
"Some of the worst actors in terms of evictions that we saw were private equity-owned." - Jim Baker, Private Equity Stakeholder Project
"There’s a large number of companies overall in multifamily, but these really big companies... specialize in particular regions." - Sara Myklebust

Key Insights Distilled From

When Private Equity Becomes Your Landlord

by Heather Voge... at www.propublica.org 02-21-2024

https://www.propublica.org/article/when-private-equity-becomes-your-landlord

Deeper Inquiries

How can policymakers address the negative impacts of private equity acquisitions on rental properties?

Policymakers can address the negative impacts of private equity acquisitions on rental properties by implementing regulations and oversight measures. Some potential strategies include:

Tenant Protections: Enforcing laws that protect tenants from unfair rent increases, evictions, and neglectful property management practices.
Transparency Requirements: Requiring private equity firms to disclose their ownership of rental properties and financial dealings to ensure accountability.
Affordable Housing Mandates: Implementing policies that mandate a certain percentage of affordable housing units in buildings owned by private equity firms.
Community Engagement: Involving local communities in decision-making processes related to rental properties to ensure their voices are heard.

How can communities ensure affordable housing remains accessible amidst increasing consolidation in the rental market?

Communities can take proactive steps to ensure affordable housing remains accessible despite increasing consolidation in the rental market. Some effective strategies include:

Nonprofit Partnerships: Collaborating with nonprofit organizations to develop and manage affordable housing projects.
Rent Control Policies: Implementing rent control measures to limit excessive rent hikes by large corporate landlords.
Incentives for Small Landlords: Providing incentives for small landlords to maintain affordable rents and resist selling to larger corporate entities.
Community Land Trusts: Establishing community land trusts to preserve affordable housing stock and prevent displacement of residents.

What measures can be implemented to protect tenants from aggressive profit-seeking tactics by private equity-backed landlords?

To protect tenants from aggressive profit-seeking tactics by private equity-backed landlords, several measures can be implemented:

Regulatory Oversight: Enforcing strict regulations on rent increases, eviction procedures, and property maintenance standards.
Tenant Rights Education: Educating tenants about their rights and resources available to them in case of landlord abuse or neglect.
Tenant Associations: Encouraging tenants to form associations or unions to collectively advocate for their rights and negotiate with landlords.
Legal Aid Services: Providing access to legal aid services for tenants facing unjust evictions or harassment from landlords.
Whistleblower Protection: Offering protection for tenants who report illegal or unethical practices by their landlords, ensuring they are not retaliated against.