'Why Is The System Rigged? Why Even Try?'—One Renter Asks As Wages Stay Flat And Rents Soar, While Landlords Demand 3x The Rent

A Reddit post went viral this week after one user summed up what so many young adults are feeling: “So wages are stagnant and rent has skyrocketed, but landlords feel the need to require 3x the rent amount?? … Why is the system so rigged against people just trying to start their adult life? Why even try?”

The post sparked thousands of upvotes and an outpouring of comments from frustrated renters sharing how broken the system feels. In everyday language, it boiled down to this: people are working harder than ever, but still can't afford a place to live on their own.

Don't Miss:

• This investment company boasts a 33.85% internal rate of return (IRR) for its realized projects, allowing accredited investors to earn passive returns and avoid the headaches of being a landlord.
• This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100.

Latest Startup Investment Opportunities:

Roommates or Bust

“It is basically assumed nowadays that you will either live with your parents, or live with a roommate,” wrote one user. Another added, “More like multiple roommates.” The days of affording a one-bedroom on a single income seem long gone for many.

Even dual-income households are struggling. One commenter wrote, “My wife and I let my cousin move in with us, so we could have food AND buy some fun things. It's BS.”

And when someone can manage to live alone, it often means sacrificing everything else. One user put it bluntly: “I had roommates and hated it so much I got a second job to get my own place. I certainly have less free time, but it's worth it to have my own space.”

Trending: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!

Rent Is High, and So Are the Barriers

Landlords often require tenants to show they make at least three times the monthly rent. For a $2,000 apartment, that means earning $6,000 a month or $72,000 a year. One user shared, “I make 75k a year, a pretty decent salary, but that comes out to just $6,250 a month… there was not a single f***ing apartment [I qualified for].”

Another user pointed out how rigid the rule is: “I have zero debt, not even a car payment, and no kids. Why should I have to earn $6k to rent a $2k apartment if I have no major expenses beyond my rent?”

Some said that landlods don't even consider combined income. “The landlord required that one of us be able to afford the unit alone, and refused to consider both our incomes. It was infuriating.”

See Also: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.

Landlords Say Their Costs Are Rising Too

Some commenters did defend landlords, citing rising property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. “The mortgage payment came last month … went from $1,300 to $1,700. A few years back it was close to $1,000,” one homeowner shared. “They keep climbing and they don't go down.”

But that explanation didn't land for everyone. As one commenter put it, “You’re literally making a ‘living’ off of something people need to survive.”

Living in Cars, Vans and With Parents

Faced with few options, some people are turning to non-traditional housing. “This is why r/urbancarliving is popping off. Hell, can’t even afford a van anymore,” one user wrote. Another said, “Just glorified homelessness.”

Others pointed to cultural differences. “As a Hispanic, I'm so grateful that my parents and our culture don't believe in kicking us out the moment we're of age,” one commenter said. “We are struggling, but we have each other to help pick up the slack.”

Not everyone has that support. “I live alone. I'm a whole adult with one dead parent and one that is clinically insane,” wrote another. “It's not like I had abundant choices of people to freeload off of.”

While some pointed to long-term fixes like increasing housing supply or reforming zoning laws, the overwhelming feeling in the thread was fatigue. One user said it plainly: “Man, life sucks.”

If there was one unifying sentiment in the entire discussion, it was that people are doing their best and still coming up short.

Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you up with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you.

You Can Profit From Real Estate Without Being A Landlord

Real estate is a great way to diversify your portfolio and earn high returns, but it can also be a big hassle. Luckily, there are other ways to tap into the power of real estate without owning property. Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund’s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%*, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate. The best part? Unlike other private credit funds, this one has a minimum investment of only $100. 

Looking for fractional real estate investment opportunities? The Benzinga Real Estate Screener features the latest offerings.