If it feels like finding an affordable single family home to rent is becoming more difficult, the numbers show that you are not imagining it.

A January 2026 Redfin analysis of United States Census Bureau data found that single family homes now represent 31 percent of the nation’s rental supply, the lowest percentage recorded since the analysis began tracking the data in 2011.

Meanwhile, large apartment buildings have become the most common type of rental housing in the country. They now account for 33.1 percent of all rental homes.

That may sound like a small difference, but it represents an important shift in the type of housing available to renters.

America Is Building More Apartments

One reason for this change is the growth of apartment construction.

During and after the pandemic, rental demand increased and builders responded by developing more multifamily communities. Large apartment construction reached a record level in 2024, giving renters more options in many metropolitan areas.

When more rental units become available, renters may have greater negotiating power. Some apartment communities may offer lower deposits, reduced fees, free rent periods, or other move in incentives to attract tenants.

However, the experience can be different for families searching for a detached home with a yard, additional bedrooms, more privacy, or space for children and pets.

Those rental options are becoming a smaller part of the overall market.

Only About One in Seven Single Family Homes Is Renter Occupied

According to the Redfin analysis, only 13.7 percent of single family homes in the United States were occupied by renters in 2024. That is the lowest percentage recorded since 2011.

There were approximately 11.3 million single family rental homes nationwide, compared with about 12.1 million rental units in large apartment buildings.

Several factors contributed to this change.

Many homeowners purchased or refinanced when mortgage rates were extremely low. Today, some of those owners are reluctant to sell because purchasing another home could mean accepting a higher interest rate and a larger monthly payment.

At the same time, most newly constructed single family homes are being built for homeowners rather than renters.

The result is a limited supply of single family homes available for both buyers and renters.

Central Florida Is Feeling the Shift

This trend is especially relevant in Florida.

In the Orlando metropolitan area, single family homes represented approximately 28.3 percent of the rental supply in 2024. Large apartment buildings represented 31.1 percent, while smaller multifamily buildings represented 33.1 percent.

Orlando also experienced one of the nation’s largest declines in the percentage of rentals that are single family homes. That share fell by approximately 8.7 percentage points between 2014 and 2024.

The Tampa metropolitan area experienced a similar change, with its share of single family rentals falling by approximately 8.9 percentage points during the same period.

For families in Davenport, Four Corners, Haines City, Clermont, Orlando, and surrounding communities, this can mean more competition for rental homes that offer the space and privacy of a traditional house.

What This Means for Renters

Apartment renters may benefit from the growing supply of multifamily housing. More availability can create greater choice and may help keep rent increases under control.

Renters searching for a single family home may have a different experience. With fewer of these homes available, desirable rentals can still attract strong interest, especially when they are located near schools, employment centers, major highways, or popular Central Florida attractions.

Before signing a lease, renters should look beyond the advertised monthly payment and consider:

1. Application and administrative fees

2. Security deposits

3. Utility expenses

4. Pet fees

5. Parking charges

6. Rent renewal terms

7. Community rules and restrictions

Understanding the complete cost can help you compare an apartment, townhome, and single family rental more accurately.

Could It Be Time to Explore Homeownership?

This does not mean every renter should immediately purchase a home. Buying should be based on your financial readiness, lifestyle, employment stability, and long term plans.

However, if you are paying a significant amount to rent a single family home, it may be worth comparing that expense with the estimated cost of ownership.

Some renters assume they need perfect credit or a large down payment before speaking with a lender. That is not always the case. Conventional, FHA, VA, and down payment assistance programs may provide different paths depending on your qualifications.

Even if you are not ready today, understanding what needs to improve can help you create a realistic plan.

Your Next Step Should Begin With Information

The rental market is changing, but your housing decision should still be based on what makes sense for you and your family.

Whether you are comparing rental options, preparing to purchase your first home, using VA financing, or relocating to Central Florida, the first step is understanding your choices.

I am here to help you review the numbers, explore available homes, and create a plan without pressure.

Source: Redfin analysis of United States Census Bureau rental housing data through 2024, published January 2026.