The city of Miami continues to face harsh criticism due to its skyrocketing rental prices. In a recent TikTok video, a Cuban woman known online as DianelaRodrgz shared her personal ordeal of searching for a place to live in this bustling city.
In her video, she expresses her exasperation, stating, "If you're on the hunt for a rental in Miami, listen up. You're going to suffer more than ever, even more than your ex ever made you suffer." Her TikTok profile, @dianelarodrgz, reveals that a simple room with a bathroom can easily cost "$2,300," and many places "won't allow dogs" or demand a "$500 deposit" for them. Additionally, she points out that some rentals require tenants to purchase a "home insurance" and that the initial payment can include "three or four months' worth of deposit." She also criticizes other extra expenses, like parking: "They give you one spot, and you have to pay $100 a month for additional parking."
Concluding her video, she describes the rental market as chaotic, noting that an efficiency can range between "$1,700 and $1,800," with "the cheapest being $1,500 and it's just a cubbyhole." Her video has sparked a flood of reactions on TikTok, with comments ranging from support to suggestions that the situation might be improving. One user remarked, "All these conditions were created by the same people destroying properties, skipping rent payments, breaking contracts, etc." Another commented, "Girl, but people don’t want to leave Miami. I live in Bradenton, FL, and I pay less than $1,200 for a 3/2 with a balcony, laundry, and free parking."
Some commenters claimed rental prices have started to decrease: "This video is from two years ago... Rents are dropping now, and if you have good credit, you can get 0 down and two months free." Sharing his own experience, another user noted, "I lived in Kendall, and when I moved into that house, it was $11,400 for a 3-month deposit because the rent was $3,800. Oh, and $500 for the dog, so it was $11,900 total."
User experiences vary widely. One person mentioned, "I rent an efficiency for $1,100 all-inclusive, plus internet," while another criticized the surveillance in some rentals: "In efficiencies, they're watching who you bring over, if you left the light on, etc." One user stated that leaving Miami was his best decision: "Miami is only for visiting. I left eight years ago, best thing ever." Conversely, another offered a more optimistic perspective: "There's almost rentals everywhere now. Relax, rents are coming down. I'm buying a house and waiting until August. You'll see."
This Cuban woman's account joins a chorus of other social media users reacting to Miami's rental prices. In October 2024, a TikToker criticized an efficiency priced at $1,450 a month, describing it as "a bathroom without a room." Shortly after, another video highlighted a $1,200 rental with no kitchen, where the cooking area consisted of a refrigerator with a microwave on top. According to a report from RentHop, Miami ranks as the second most expensive city for singles in the U.S., with 54% of the median income going toward rent.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the reality remains that securing affordable housing in Miami continues to be a daunting task for many.
Frequently Asked Questions about Renting in Miami
Why are rental prices so high in Miami?
Rental prices in Miami are high due to a combination of demand, limited housing supply, and other factors such as property destruction and non-payment of rent that have led landlords to increase costs to mitigate risks.
Are rental prices in Miami decreasing?
Some users have noted a decrease in rental prices recently, with certain incentives like low down payments and free months being offered. However, this can vary greatly depending on the area and the property.
What are some affordable alternatives to living in Miami?
Some suggest looking at nearby cities like Bradenton, FL, where rental prices tend to be lower, offering more value for amenities like balconies, laundry facilities, and free parking.