The U.S. rental market is shifting in 2025, but for rental agents, opportunity remains abundant. National vacancy rates reached 7 percent in the second quarter, up from 6.6 percent a year earlier, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A wave of new construction and moderating rent growth has created a more balanced market, but in many states, rental agents are finding plenty of business as landlords and tenants navigate these changing dynamics.

Renting also remains the only viable option for many Americans, as rising home prices, tight mortgage underwriting, and limited inventory continue to put homeownership out of reach for large segments of the population. This dynamic ensures a steady flow of renters seeking guidance, and rental agents are there to connect them with available units.

Here’s a look at the states giving rental professionals the most to work with for the remainder of 2025.

Texas: Growth that keeps agents busy

Texas continues to be a hotspot for rental agents. Cities like Dallas and Austin are booming, with more than 81,400 new apartment units under construction statewide, according to industry data. For agents, that means a steady stream of landlords looking for tenants and tenants seeking guidance. Combined with landlord-friendly laws, including no rent control and clear eviction procedures, agents in Texas have both high volume and predictable rules to work within, making the state a lucrative market.

Florida: Competitive markets create opportunities

Florida’s rental markets, particularly in Miami and Orlando, remain highly competitive. The Rental Competitiveness Index ranks Miami with a score of 74.6, highlighting high demand and limited vacancy, according to recent industry data. Agents benefit by guiding landlords through pricing strategies and helping tenants secure sought-after units. With ongoing population growth and no state income tax, Florida’s rental market provides a steady flow of business for professionals who know the terrain.

North Carolina: Fast-growing cities, favorable rules

Raleigh and Charlotte are growing fast, and agents are capitalizing on the influx of renters. North Carolina’s landlord-tenant laws allow for quick resolution of lease violations, which makes agents’ work smoother when managing multiple clients. Low property taxes and affordable entry points for investors mean more landlords are entering the market, creating more opportunities for agents to place tenants and work on maintaining long-term relationships.

Ohio: Affordable housing drives agent business

In Ohio, affordability meets profitability. Cities such as Cleveland and Columbus have average home prices around $220,000, yet rental yields remain above the national average, according to recent investment data. For rental agents, this is a sweet spot: landlords can invest in properties with strong cash flow, and agents can help connect tenants to affordable housing while maintaining repeat business from satisfied landlords.

Arizona: Rising property values keep agents on their toes

Phoenix and Tucson are hot spots for rental agents thanks to rising property values and strong yields, according to recent rental data. The state’s laws allow landlords to raise rent with notice and resolve lease violations efficiently, giving agents the structure they need to place tenants and advise landlords. The result is a fast-moving market where skilled agents can thrive by balancing supply and demand.

Tennessee: High yields mean more work

In Nashville and Memphis, some of the country’s highest rental yields provide plenty of work for agents. These high yields are driven by strong tenant demand combined with relatively affordable property prices, which allow landlords to earn solid returns. For rental agents, this means more landlords are actively seeking tenants, creating a steady flow of transactions and opportunities to earn commissions while helping renters find quality housing.

Georgia: Atlanta drives agent opportunities

Atlanta’s rental market is growing rapidly, fueled by a combination of strong job growth, an influx of corporate relocations, and a steady stream of new residents attracted to the city’s relatively affordable cost of living compared with other major metros. This population growth has driven high demand for rental units, keeping agents busy placing tenants and helping landlords maintain occupancy. Favorable landlord-tenant laws allow agents to assist landlords with timely lease enforcement while guiding tenants through the rental process.

Nevada: Affordable and active

Las Vegas continues to attract renters and investors alike, with median property prices below national averages and strong rental yields, according to industry research. Agents benefit from a busy market where landlords need help placing tenants efficiently and investors rely on professional guidance to maximize returns. Nevada’s balance of affordability and demand creates a dynamic environment for rental professionals.

Bottom line

For rental agents in 2025, the most productive states are those where demand is strong, rental yields are attractive, and the regulatory landscape allows agents to serve both landlords and tenants efficiently. States such as Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Arizona, Tennessee, Georgia, and Nevada all provide these conditions, giving rental professionals the opportunity to grow their business and help clients navigate an increasingly complex market.

Michael Lucarelli is the CEO of RentSpree.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners. To contact the editor responsible for this piece: zeb@hwmedia.com.

More: