Houston Association of REALTORS®
Feb 18, 2026
The Houston rental market opened the new year with easing prices and expanding inventory, giving renters more flexibility.
According to the Houston Association of Realtors’ January 2026 Rental Market Update, the average lease price for a single-family home declined 3.3 percent year-over-year to $2,214, which is the lowest level since December 2023, when it stood at $2,209.
Demand for single-family rentals started the new year strong. Leased listings rose 11.0 percent compared to last January, with 3,447 homes leased versus 3,105 a year earlier. New listings increased 16.4 percent to 6,499 properties.
Homes took longer to lease, with Days on Market rising to 50 days, which is the highest level since January 2019, when it was 51 days.
“This is the most breathing room renters have had in years,” said HAR Chair Theresa Hill with Compass RE Texas, LLC - Houston. “Right now, we’re seeing more balance and more options for renters, and if that trend continues, it could create new opportunities for both tenants and future homebuyers in the months ahead.”
The townhome and condominium rental segment also posted gains. Leased listings increased 6.3 percent year-over-year to 504 units, while new listings rose 23.4 percent to 1,145 properties.
The average lease price edged down 0.8 percent to $1,847, and Days on Market rose to 59 days from 54 days last January.