Regardless of the country, there is no denying that salary always falls short when compared to the cost of living.

That’s why most people tend to work two to three jobs and even more just to be able to keep up with their everyday necessities and monthly recurring bills.

What happens when that’s not enough?

And when talking about bills, perhaps, one that eats up the most chunk of your budget is your monthly lease, isn’t it?

At times, it’s nerve-wracking to just think about it, let alone if there is a sudden rent increase.

That’s a plight this man’s sharing

Lucky are those who can pay their lease with ease. Truth be told, more people, especially young professionals, are struggling to pay their monthly rent.

Sadly, because of this ongoing issue, a lot of people are now resorting to getting a cheaper place to rent.

That equates to them compromising comfort and safety over affordability.

Particularly in Texas.

Rules about rent increases are not regulated as much as in some states.

There was a time when the executive director of the Texas Tenants’ Union, Sandy Rollins, shared with WFAA that they handled a case of a 66-year-old man whose rent jumped by almost $1,000 higher.

Because of the lack of regulations on rent, landlords in Texas are free to increase rent to whichever increment and as often as they want.

In fact, just May of last year, the US hit another record-high in real estate.

Where does it end?

In April of last year, the national median for rent was at $1,827 per month and that figure alone is a 16.7% jump from 2021.

By the looks of it, it seems like the increase isn’t going to stop anytime soon.

The increase varies per state and according to reports, Detroit recorded the least change with just a 5.5% increase while Miami hit the biggest rent jump at 52%.

Needless to say, the simple rule of economics applies to rent – the higher the demand, the higher the price.

In a span of just a year, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, where TikTok user @goldenflaco4 is currently living, added almost 100,000 new residents.

It came with consequences.

His video showing the increase in his rent became viral after amassing 310,000 views on TikTok alone.

In the video, he shared that he’s been living in Dallas for over three years and what he’s been paying.

His current rent? $1,295 per month.

However, it jumped to $1,715.

When his lease got renewed, he saw a $420 increase despite not having any additions or improvements in his place.

Although, he claimed that the increase wasn’t “as much” compared to other people who got a much higher increase.

Nevertheless, it’s still “ridiculous.”

That’s a huge leap considering the stagnant pay of regular employees who are in day jobs.

Hard work sure pays off, but not in the middle of this worsening economy where inflation is one of our mortal enemies.

Most of his viewers were able to relate to his predicament about the rent increase.

“Rent going up but the pay check is the same,” one TikTok user wrote in the comment section.

Reality truly hurts and this is one reality that we hope to end – someday and somehow.

See @goldenflack04’s now-viral video below!

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

@goldenflacko4 #greenscreen yall better get ready ro start the rapture!! Because this isnt it!! #dallastx #dallas #recession #inflation #rent #dallaslife #rent #landlord ♬ BREAK MY SOUL – Beyoncé

Source: TikTok – @goldenflacko4, WFAA