Landlords Pilloried Online for Asking Too Much Rent
Would-be renters are showering landlords with salty comments and emoji reactions across Facebook housing groups and other platforms as rents continue to climb across Southern California.
Rent Shaming: A Form of Resistance
Renters see it as a higher calling, a form of resistance and a way to call out overpriced listings.
“The comment might say ‘BOOOOO’ followed by laughing and poop emojis,” Sam Eckstein, a renter in East Hollywood who has voiced his derision for high-priced rentals online, told the Times.
“What it actually means is, ‘This rent is ridiculous and you should be ashamed of yourself for trying to take advantage of people.’”
Landlords’ Perspective
Landlords see it as a headache, or cyberbullying of well-meaning efforts to find tenants.
One landlord, who asked to remain anonymous because he doesn’t want to attract negative comments on his listings, said he has experienced rent-shaming but said the criticism is misguided.
“A price might be high for someone but perfectly reasonable for someone else,” the landlord said. “The angry comments just make it harder for the people who actually want the property.”
The Rise of Rent Shaming
The internet has upended the real estate industry, removing traditional gatekeepers and allowing sellers and landlords to connect directly with buyers and tenants.
House-hunters once had to call the phone numbers on “For Rent” signs or hire real estate agents just to see what was available.
But in the age of information, they can compare the prices of everything on the market, according to the Times. It’s much easier to gauge whether something is a steal or a rip-off.
Examples of Rent Shaming
“Your greed is sickening,” a user wrote under a post advertising a one-bedroom rental in Venice for $4,600 a month.
One user told a landlord listing a one-bedroom unit for $2,200 in Woodland Hills to “take your ADU and firmly insert it into your … ”
Conclusion
Rent shaming has become a way for renters to express their frustration and resistance to rising rents. While some landlords see it as a form of cyberbullying, others believe it is a necessary check on their pricing power. As the rental market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how this phenomenon develops and whether it leads to changes in the way landlords approach pricing.
FAQs
Q: What is rent shaming?
A: Rent shaming is the practice of publicly criticizing landlords for asking too much rent on social media platforms, such as Facebook housing groups.
Q: Why do renters engage in rent shaming?
A: Renters engage in rent shaming as a way to express their frustration and resistance to rising rents, and to call out landlords who they believe are taking advantage of them.
Q: How do landlords respond to rent shaming?
A: Some landlords see rent shaming as a form of cyberbullying, while others believe it is a necessary check on their pricing power. Some landlords have even responded to rent shaming by offering discounts or negotiating with potential tenants.
Q: Will rent shaming lead to changes in the rental market?
A: It is unclear whether rent shaming will lead to changes in the rental market, but it may put pressure on landlords to be more transparent and competitive in their pricing.
