# U.S. multifamily rental market vacancy trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-multifamily-rental-market-vacancy-trends > Updated: 2026-09-26T17:41:51.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 3. The U.S. multifamily rental market has seen an increase in vacancy rates, rising from a 5.6% low at the end of 2021 to 7.3% in the second quarter of 2026. This shift has provided renters with increased negotiating leverage, as landlords utilize concessions such as free rent or waived fees to attract tenants. By late September 2026, the national vacancy rate for multifamily properties reached 7.9%, even as asking rents rose by 1.3% over the previous year. Analysis indicates that higher vacancy rates generally benefit renters by increasing unit availability and the frequency of rent concessions, move-in specials, and lower monthly payments. Market conditions are further influenced by absorption rates, which measure the speed at which available units are taken. While high vacancy rates provide leverage, high absorption rates—where units are being filled quickly—tend to reduce a renter's ability to negotiate. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-26: Rental market vacancy rates impact renter negotiating power With a national multifamily vacancy rate of 7.9%, renters can gain negotiating leverage in areas with higher vacancy and lower absorption rates. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rental-market-vacancy-rates-impact-renter-negotiating-power ### 2026-09-24: Rental market vacancy rates offer leverage for tenants With a 7.9% national vacancy rate for multifamily properties, renters can leverage high vacancy areas to negotiate lower rents and move-in specials. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rental-market-vacancy-rates-offer-leverage-for-tenants ### 2026-09-10: U.S. rental market shifts as vacancy rates reach 7.3% U.S. rental vacancy rates have risen to 7.3%, leading to increased rent concessions. Experts predict the market will tighten as supply stabilizes, making maintenance key to tenant retention. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-rental-market-shifts-as-vacancy-rates-reach-73 --- Cite as: U.S. multifamily rental market vacancy trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-multifamily-rental-market-vacancy-trends