(KTLA) – Which state was identified as the worst in the nation for renters, according to a new study? It likely won’t surprise many residing on the West Coast.
A mix of high or swiftly rising rents, low rental availability, and poor quality-of-life metrics led California to be named the least renter-friendly, as reported by a Consumer Affairs study published earlier this month.
“A statewide affordability crisis, tight rental market, and aging housing stock placed California at the bottom rank for renter friendliness,” the customer review platform noted.
California renters are subject to the highest monthly median payment of $2,000 and also the highest cost of living.
The study did note one positive for those looking to live in California.
“The Golden State has solid renters’ laws, ranking fifth best for tenant protections in our analysis. In 2019, the state passed legislation that requires landlords to have a ‘just cause’ to terminate tenancy. It’s now one of just six states that have such laws.”
Here’s a look at the Consumer Affairs list of the five worst and best states for renting:
Worst States for Renters:
- California – 34.74 out of 100 points
- Nevada – 37.25 out of 100 points
- Florida – 37.29 out of 100 points
- Louisiana – 37.77 out of 100 points
- Massachusetts – 38.07 out of 100 points
Best States for Renters:
- North Dakota – 67.15 out of 100 points
- Iowa – 66.28 out of 100 points
- Wyoming – 61.81 out of 100 points
- Minnesota – 58.23 out of 100 points
- Wisconsin – 58.23 out of 100 points
With a score of 34.74, California was the only state in the study to score less than 37 points. North Dakota, judged the best state for renters with 67.15 points, nearly doubled California’s total.
North Dakota was given top honors thanks to its “impressive affordability,” a state in which residents spend on average just 23.8% of their income on rent, which is the lowest rate in the country, according to the report. The Peace Garden State also boasts the highest level of rental availability.
Consumer Affairs used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, NYU Langone Health, NeighborhoodScout and more to award scores for the following categories: affordability, quality of life, tenant protections and rental availability.
