LeaseLock Chief Economist Greg Willett Featured in Bloomberg’s Coverage of Boston’s Cooling Rental Market

LeaseLock Chief Economist Greg Willett was featured this week in a new Bloomberg analysis examining Boston’s surprising rental slowdown and what it signals for the wider housing market. The article highlights shifting renter behavior, economic uncertainty, and the return of pricing power to residents after years of sustained competition for apartments.

Read the full Bloomberg story here:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-01/boston-rental-market-cools-landlords-willing-to-do-anything

In the piece, Greg offers insight into how affordability pressures and job insecurity are reshaping renter decision making in real time. As Bloomberg reports, Boston’s average asking rents have slipped for the first time since 2021. With vacancies climbing to their highest levels since the pandemic, landlords who once held all the leverage are now offering deeper concessions and wider flexibility to attract residents.

Greg explains that these trends are consistent with what LeaseLock is tracking nationally. “It is affordability and job insecurity. If there are economic stresses, it shows up first in the rental market.” His analysis helps contextualize Boston’s shift as part of a broader pattern where economic tightening is influencing household formation, mobility, and the pace of leasing.

While Boston remains one of the country’s most desirable and supply-constrained metros, the local slowdown underscores how quickly conditions can change when economic sentiment wavers. Bloomberg notes heightened uncertainty in key industries, softening employment, and reduced international student enrollment as additional factors shaping today’s market dynamics.

Greg’s inclusion in this story reinforces his role as one of the rental housing industry’s most trusted economists and a leading voice on market performance, risk signals, and emerging shifts in renter behavior. His expertise helps operators, investors, and housing leaders stay ahead of change through data-driven perspective and clear interpretation of market conditions.

LeaseLock is proud to see Greg’s insights featured in outlets like Bloomberg as we continue to bring clarity to an increasingly complex housing landscape.

If you would like more economic updates or risk insights from the LeaseLock team, please reach out to our communications team or explore our resource hub at LeaseLock.com.