I recently evaluated the Tucson residential rental market from January 2013 through December 2013 using Tucson Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service (MLS) statistics. Although not all rentals are captured in the MLS, it is fair to say that the data captured is a representative sample.
Single Family Homes
Using the MLS statistics, from January 1st, 2013 through December 31st, 2013, 3,315 single family houses were rented in the N, NW, NE, S, SW, SE, E, W and C areas as defined by MLS. Based on that, the average rental rate was $1,214 per month and the median rental rate was $1,100 per month. The average days on market was 50 days and the median days on market was 38 days.
Townhomes
Using the MLS statistics for the same time period and areas, I also looked at townhomes. In 2013, 377 townhomes were rented. The average rental rate was $933 per month and the median was $895 per month. The average days on market was 53 days and the median days on market was 41 days.
Condos
Using the MLS statistics for the same time period and areas, the last category I looked at was condos. In 2013, 348 condos were rented. The average rental rate was $825 per month and the median was $795 per month. The average days on the market was 64 days and the median days on market was 44 days.
For single family homes, townhomes and condos, the 2013 average and median rental rates decreased slightly from 2012. The 2013 average and median days on market were slightly increased from the 2012 numbers. As is the case historically, the Tucson rental rates for single family homes, townhomes and condos remain relatively flat.
The average and median days on market is an important factor to consider. This is because even when a property is priced correctly, it can take from one to two months to get it rented and occupied. In the rental business, time is money. Not just because of lost rent or mortgage payments that are not counter balanced by rent coming in, but the risk of vandalism, yard care expenses and utility bills are also real costs of vacancy. The more competitively priced the home is, the more quickly it will rent.
If you or someone you know has a rental house or are considering purchasing a rental house, this information should help you make good decisions and provide a quick point of reference regarding the Tucson rental market.
