Comparing the impacts of COVID-19 on residential rental market across rental sectors: Evidence from city of Austin

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected rental housing prices, but previous research lacks comprehensive data across different residential categories. This study fills that gap by analyzing 48 months of closed rental listings from the Austin region’s Multiple Listing Service. It examines the pandemic’s impact on four types of residential properties, revealing disparities in its influence. COVID-19 deaths and local awareness positively affect rental prices for single-family homes, especially in suburban and low-density areas, while positive cases negatively impact condo and duplex prices. Additionally, social factors affect rental prices differently for single-family homes compared to condos during the pandemic. These findings help understand how COVID-19 and socioeconomic factors influence the rental market, offering practical insights for real estate agencies and policymakers.