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Tenant crisis: wages hit by rent and families going into debt to cope with housing costs - Ambito Financiero
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www.ambito.com
January 26, 2026
A national tenant survey shows contract instability, deteriorating incomes, and a sharp adjustment in food and health expenses.
A tenant does the math and expresses her concern. The expenses to cover the cost of maintaining the home require a significant financial effort and involve going into debt.Pexels
The reality for renters in Argentina is marked by instability , debt, and a sustained loss of purchasing power. Data from the latest survey by Inquilinos Agrupados (Tenants United) shows that rent has ceased to be just another expense and has become the central factor that dictates and shapes the daily lives of these households.
One of the main factors contributing to this instability stems from the contractual conditions established after the Emergency Decree that repealed the 2020 Rental Law. The majority of tenants sign short-term contracts, which exacerbates housing insecurity. 64% have two-year contracts, 16% have three-year contracts, and 13% have contracts of just one year. In addition, 7% rent without a written contract, a situation that leaves thousands of families without formal recourse in the face of conflicts or abuses.
The frequency of rent increases exacerbates this situation. 65% of tenants face adjustments every three or four months . Within that group, 43% receive quarterly increases and 26.4% every four months. Regarding the adjustment mechanisms, 60% are adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) , 27% according to the Local Construction Cost Index (ICL), and 8% are subject to unilateral decisions by the landlord.
The impact of these increases on income is suffocating. A quarter of renters spend between 60% and 100% of their salary on rent . Another 17% spend half their income, and 22% spend around 40%. Only 10% manage to pay less than 20% of their salary for housing. As a direct consequence, one in six households suffered eviction due to economic reasons.
The burden of rent doesn't just affect the economy ; it permeates every aspect of daily life. Muñoz pointed out that it's the most significant household expense and that, without stable housing, developing a life plan is nearly impossible. For this reason, he emphasized the need for housing rentals to be part of a national policy. Along these lines, he questioned the national government's decision to eliminate regulations, arguing that housing has become a highly profitable business for a very small sector that controls a large portion of the properties.
A couple does the math; it's getting harder and harder to afford the rent. Pexels
Employment data reflects another critical issue. 46% of renters hold more than one job. Job insecurity has also increased: 15% lost their jobs, almost double the figure for September, while 28% took on another job to make ends meet. Unemployment has reached 4.1%, a figure compounded by wages that are failing to keep pace with rent.
To afford rent, households are cutting essential expenses. 91.7% have reduced outings and 86.3% have cut back on clothing. The adjustments are also affecting sensitive areas: 60.3% have reduced food spending and 52.3% have cut back on healthcare. Food insecurity is becoming increasingly apparent: only 38.5% are able to eat four meals a day, while 23% are able to eat two and 4.5% just one.
Muñoz explained that, according to official data from INDEC, rent triples or quadruples the general price index since the real estate market began setting unregulated conditions after decree 70/23.
The main concerns of tenants reflect this reality. Rent prices top the list of worries, followed by contract length, guarantees, the condition of the property, and the return of the deposit. The prevailing fear is linked to the possibility of being unable to pay the rent at some point, a concern that affects the organization of family life.
The assessment of the household economy for 2025 confirms the deterioration: 46.5% consider it very bad and 26.5% bad. Only 7.8% rate it as good or very good.
Muñoz concluded that, "without regulation and with wages that are insufficient, rent becomes a factor of exclusion that shapes urban poverty and leaves millions of families on the verge of losing their homes."
www.buysellba.com
Source:
Crisis inquilina: salarios golpeados por el alquiler y las familias que se endeudan para afrontar el costo del hogar
Una encuesta nacional inquilina muestra inestabilidad contractual, ingresos deteriorados y un fuerte ajuste en alimentos y salud.
www.ambito.com
January 26, 2026
A national tenant survey shows contract instability, deteriorating incomes, and a sharp adjustment in food and health expenses.
A tenant does the math and expresses her concern. The expenses to cover the cost of maintaining the home require a significant financial effort and involve going into debt.Pexels
The reality for renters in Argentina is marked by instability , debt, and a sustained loss of purchasing power. Data from the latest survey by Inquilinos Agrupados (Tenants United) shows that rent has ceased to be just another expense and has become the central factor that dictates and shapes the daily lives of these households.
One of the main factors contributing to this instability stems from the contractual conditions established after the Emergency Decree that repealed the 2020 Rental Law. The majority of tenants sign short-term contracts, which exacerbates housing insecurity. 64% have two-year contracts, 16% have three-year contracts, and 13% have contracts of just one year. In addition, 7% rent without a written contract, a situation that leaves thousands of families without formal recourse in the face of conflicts or abuses.
The frequency of rent increases exacerbates this situation. 65% of tenants face adjustments every three or four months . Within that group, 43% receive quarterly increases and 26.4% every four months. Regarding the adjustment mechanisms, 60% are adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) , 27% according to the Local Construction Cost Index (ICL), and 8% are subject to unilateral decisions by the landlord.
The impact of these increases on income is suffocating. A quarter of renters spend between 60% and 100% of their salary on rent . Another 17% spend half their income, and 22% spend around 40%. Only 10% manage to pay less than 20% of their salary for housing. As a direct consequence, one in six households suffered eviction due to economic reasons.
Going into debt, the only way
Faced with this scenario, debt has emerged as the primary survival strategy. Gervasio Muñoz , a representative of Inquilinos Agrupados (Tenants United), explained that to cope with the frequent rent increases resulting from the repeal of the rental law by Decree 70, many families are resorting to credit. Credit card use is allocated to purchasing food, basic necessities, and minimal entertainment, with the goal of ensuring rent payments and maintaining a place to sleep. According to Muñoz, short-term contracts also serve as a tool for exerting pressure, since at the end of the term, the landlord decides whether or not the tenant can remain in the property.The burden of rent doesn't just affect the economy ; it permeates every aspect of daily life. Muñoz pointed out that it's the most significant household expense and that, without stable housing, developing a life plan is nearly impossible. For this reason, he emphasized the need for housing rentals to be part of a national policy. Along these lines, he questioned the national government's decision to eliminate regulations, arguing that housing has become a highly profitable business for a very small sector that controls a large portion of the properties.
A couple does the math; it's getting harder and harder to afford the rent. Pexels
Employment data reflects another critical issue. 46% of renters hold more than one job. Job insecurity has also increased: 15% lost their jobs, almost double the figure for September, while 28% took on another job to make ends meet. Unemployment has reached 4.1%, a figure compounded by wages that are failing to keep pace with rent.
Three out of four tenants with debts
Debt affects almost three out of four renters. 68% have some type of debt, mainly related to:- Credit cards: 92.2%.
- Food: 82.2%.
- Previous debts: 76.9%.
- Rent: 76.1%.
- Health and services: over 71%.
To afford rent, households are cutting essential expenses. 91.7% have reduced outings and 86.3% have cut back on clothing. The adjustments are also affecting sensitive areas: 60.3% have reduced food spending and 52.3% have cut back on healthcare. Food insecurity is becoming increasingly apparent: only 38.5% are able to eat four meals a day, while 23% are able to eat two and 4.5% just one.
Inflation is having a major impact
Specific rental inflation further exacerbates this situation. During 2025, overall inflation reached 31.5%, but housing rents showed much higher increases depending on the region . In Greater Buenos Aires (GBA) it reached 70.8%, in the Pampas region 83.1%, in the Northeast 100.9%, in the Northwest 108.7%, in Cuyo 90.9%, and in Patagonia it reached 120.3%.Muñoz explained that, according to official data from INDEC, rent triples or quadruples the general price index since the real estate market began setting unregulated conditions after decree 70/23.
The main concerns of tenants reflect this reality. Rent prices top the list of worries, followed by contract length, guarantees, the condition of the property, and the return of the deposit. The prevailing fear is linked to the possibility of being unable to pay the rent at some point, a concern that affects the organization of family life.
The assessment of the household economy for 2025 confirms the deterioration: 46.5% consider it very bad and 26.5% bad. Only 7.8% rate it as good or very good.
Muñoz concluded that, "without regulation and with wages that are insufficient, rent becomes a factor of exclusion that shapes urban poverty and leaves millions of families on the verge of losing their homes."
www.buysellba.com
