Congress demands Pentagon action on skyrocketing military housing costs

In the United States, a group of Democratic senators recently sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, urging an investigation into the escalating rental costs faced by military families. The correspondence came in light of rising rents that have made it increasingly difficult for active-duty service members to find affordable housing. According to a survey by Blue Star Families, approximately 70% of active-duty families reside off-base and many struggle with the inadequacy of the Basic Housing Allowance provided by the Department of Defense. This situation has raised concerns of potential profiteering by landlords, particularly those utilizing the rent-pricing system offered by the company RealPage, which has been accused of engaging in practices that inflate rental prices across the country. In 2023 alone, algorithms used in pricing strategies reportedly contributed an additional $3.8 billion to rental costs nationwide. The senators' letter highlights the need for the Pentagon to ensure that military families are protected from predatory rental practices, emphasizing that taxpayer dollars intended for military families should not be exploited by landlords. The rising housing costs not only affect the financial stability of military families but potentially impact national security as well, according to discussions surrounding the issue. As these discussions continue in Congress, a new bill introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar aims to combat such practices and increase transparency in how rental prices are set, addressing the pressing needs of those serving in the military and their families.