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Comment by xyzelement | Hacker News Reader

Probably some. A house and an apartment you own aren't really comparable anymore as the appeal of urban living for professionals has declined, however.

Probably most likely impact is the decline on new apartment development and perhaps dilapidation of some of the stock ("if I can't get 3k/month for this place anymore, fine I'll charge 2k but I won't bother maintaining it")

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Isn't it the other way round? When rents are higher, how well maintained the house is matters less to tenants compared to the location and rent. But when rents are low, they have more freedom to choose a well maintained house.

If you're talking about long-term maintenance so that skipping it is just deferring costs to greater costs in the future, then why would a landlord do that unless they expect to demolish the house before ever fixing it up?

> When rents are higher, how well maintained the house is matters less to tenants

When I'm paying more than I think I should in rent I start expecting more for my money. Suddenly I want every little thing fixed and I push for things like newer appliances. When rent is low and I feel like I'm getting a really good deal, I'm much more willing to let the little stuff slide.

You're acting the opposite to the power you have. I think people overall act in line with their power. High rents means tenants are weaker and can demand less without being told "take it or leave it".

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