Mom-and-Pop Landlords Are Clawing Back

The independent landlord sector is stabilizing. New data from Chandan Economics shows on-time rent payments climbed to 83.7% in February 2026, up from 82.8% in January. That's the highest reading since the wheels started wobbling in mid-2025.This episode breaks down what the numbers actually mean:On-time payments at 83.7%, up 135 basis points from the September 2025 lowFull-payment rate at 95.8%, the highest since August 2025Late payments still above 10%, but the three-month moving average is trending downYear-over-year comparisons still negative (31 consecutive months), but the gap is narrowingWestern and Mountain states leading: South Dakota (97.2%), New Hampshire (94%), Utah (94%), Alaska (93.5%)2-4 family rentals outperforming single-family and larger multifamilyMacro tailwinds: GDP at 2.2%, wages outpacing inflation, steady employmentThe takeaway: This is stabilization, not a victory lap. The worst of the payment squeeze appears to be behind us, but we're not back to normal. It's a grind, not a snap back.Episode Sponsor: Rise 48 Equity Rise 48 helps you protect and grow your wealth by investing in large multifamily apartment buildings. Vertically integrated property management. Vertically integrated construction. They handle the heavy lifting. rise48.comCREIC | Commercial Real Estate Investment Conference Miami | November 6-7, 2026 500 seats. Free general admission. Spots are limited. creicmiami.comWant to sponsor CREIC or this podcast? Apply for SponsorshipDisclaimer: This podcast is AI-generated. Not financial advice. Do your own homework.