Report: Affordable Apartments Are Out of Reach for Many Low-Wage Maryland Renters - Maryland Matters

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Housing Affordability Crisis Grips Maryland: Can Low-Wage Workers Ever Find Relief?

Maryland ranks among the most challenging states for minimum wage earners striving to afford a two-bedroom apartment, according to a recent report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC). Titled "Out of Reach," the report highlights Maryland as trailing only seven states and Washington, D.C., in housing affordability for 2024. With renters constituting a significant third of Maryland households, the issue of affordable housing has become a focal point in legislative debates.

Advocates stress that despite efforts to enhance renter-friendly policies in Maryland, more needs to be done. Claudia Randall Wilson, Executive Director of the Community Development Network of Maryland, emphasized the multifaceted impact of housing on broader societal challenges.

“We’re going to need sustained attention to this through multiple lenses,” said Claudia Randall Wilson,

Collaborating with the NLIHC on the report, the Community Development Network of Maryland underscores the critical need for sustained attention to housing issues. Meanwhile, landlords argue that rising operational costs, including maintenance, payroll, and taxes, necessitate increased housing prices, which are ultimately passed on to residents.

The report introduces the concept of a "housing wage," indicating the hourly wage needed for a worker to afford housing without exceeding 30% of their income. In Maryland, this equates to $36.70 per hour for a two-bedroom apartment, far exceeding the state's current minimum wage of $15 per hour.

Highlighting the disparity, the report reveals that even common occupations like janitors, cooks, and nursing assistants do not earn enough to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Maryland. For instance, a minimum wage worker would need to work 82 hours per week to afford such accommodation.

Governor Wes Moore's housing package, introduced during the 2024 legislative session, aims to alleviate Maryland's housing shortage, estimated at 96,000 units. While legislative efforts intend to incentivize affordable housing development statewide, only one bill has thus far been enacted, suggesting that impactful changes remain on the horizon.

Aaron Greenfield, representing the Maryland Multi-Housing Association, expressed concerns about ensuring affordability while recognizing the economic benefits of lifting wages for lower-income workers. "It's better for our entire economy," Greenfield noted.

As Maryland continues to grapple with housing affordability challenges, stakeholders emphasize the ongoing need for comprehensive legislative action and sustained focus to ensure accessible housing options for all residents.