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The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted low-income renters, with many struggling to pay rent due to business closures and job losses. The national federal eviction moratorium is in effect until June 30, 2021, and states are allocating emergency rental assistance funds. A report by the National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) analyzes the pandemic's impact on affordable housing, citing data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University and the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Key findings include:

A pre-existing crisis in affordable housing, with rents rising faster than incomes and a shortage of low-cost rentals.
A shift in demand, with higher-income renters driving growth and lower-income renters declining in number.
A decline in rents, particularly for higher-quality properties, and increased vacancy rates, especially in expensive urban areas.
A persisting shortage of affordable housing, with no state having an adequate supply, especially for low-income households.

The report highlights the need for a comprehensive response from all levels of government to address the rental affordability crisis.