Lawmakers are shining a spotlight on the growing influence of corporate landlords in the U.S. housing market, with renters like Rebecca Jove in Middleburg, Florida, speaking out against skyrocketing rents and poor living conditions. As corporate landlords, such as Invitation Homes, increase their presence in single-family rentals, tenants find themselves increasingly squeezed out of homeownership opportunities.
Read: Florida’s Condo Reform Aims to Ease Owner Burdens Starting July 1
The Rental Trap
Rebecca Jove, a renter for 10 years, describes her once-secure home as a “money pit.” Jove’s rent has nearly doubled over the years, pushing her deeper into what she calls the “rental trap.” She faces constant maintenance issues, including mold and a hole in the wall that have gone unaddressed for years. “We started off at a fair price and ended up paying far too much,” Jove shared, revealing how rising rents have delayed her family’s dream of buying a home.
Also read: Homelessness Crisis Worsens After Traverse City Clears Homeless Camps
The Rise of Corporate Landlords
Jove rents from Invitation Homes, one of the largest corporate landlords in the country. With over 80,000 properties nationwide, Invitation Homes is at the center of an investigation led by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff. The inquiry, launched in May, is focusing on how these large corporations are outbidding families and driving up rent prices. Ossoff claims that these landlords are exacerbating the housing crisis by inflating rental markets and locking out would-be homeowners.
Investigating Corporate Practices
Senator Ossoff’s office has already interviewed more than 160 individuals, including renters, realtors, policy experts, and local officials. “More and more Georgians who are renting instead of buying are facing mistreatment or abusive practices by corporate landlords,” Ossoff remarked. His investigation highlights how large investment firms have bought up single-family homes, converting them into rental properties, leaving fewer options for families trying to purchase a home.
Also read: Philadelphia Proposes Changes to Security Deposit, Application Fees for Renter
Business Impact on Local Communities
The influx of Wall Street-backed landlords is not just hurting renters; it is impacting local economies as well. In areas like Jacksonville and Atlanta, businesses are seeing a decline in foot traffic as families struggle with rising rents and maintenance issues. Corporate landlords, with their deep pockets, are able to outbid individuals for homes, leaving many first-time buyers locked out of the market.
Legislation in the Works
Lawmakers are beginning to push back against corporate landlords. The Strengthening Home Ownership in Florida Act, which seeks to limit corporate control over the housing market, has been introduced but has failed to gain significant traction in the past. However, the new bipartisan HELPER Act of 2025, which would introduce zero-down FHA loans for first responders, is gaining attention as a potential solution to help essential workers who have been priced out of the market.
Also read: President Trump’s Rose Garden Makeover Replaces Historic Lawn with Gravel
The Housing Fight Continues
As corporate landlords tighten their grip on the U.S. housing market, political pressure is mounting. The fight over homeownership and who gets to achieve the American Dream continues to unfold as lawmakers grapple with how to balance the needs of renters, buyers, and corporate interests.
Also read: Newhouse Threatens ‘No Vote’ if GOP Budget Revives Land Sales
Corporate Landlords’ Hold
Mega-landlords control 3% of the 15.1 million single-family rental homes in the U.S. These properties are concentrated in cities like Atlanta, Phoenix, and Dallas, where they hold significant portions of the market. Jenny Schuetz, Senior Fellow at Brookings Metro, explained, “Large institutional investors have several advantages in competing for homes over individual homebuyers, especially first-time buyers.”
