KNDO/KNDU Tri-Cities, Yakima, WA | Population Boom Causes Housing Shortage

Population Boom Causes Housing Shortage

KENNEWICK, Wash. - If you're having trouble finding a place to either buy or rent you're probably not alone.

Many people looking to move to or around the Tri-Cities are coming up short.

As Chris Adams enters an apartment complex office in Kennewick, he's quickly told there won't be a vacancy until maybe September.

"I've been all over the place, downtown, up here, uptown by the mall. Can't find anything. It's become difficult to find an apartment," says Adams.

Experts say homes aren't being built fast enough causing apartments to be in short supply.

"The apartments became full, the houses are all bought up. People are finding it's hard to find places to live," said Sales Manager Paul Roy of Caldwell Banker in Richland.

With short supply, apartment managers and those selling homes see reason to raise their prices. Which Chris Adams says isn't fair to renters who can't afford it the hike in prices.

"I don't think it's right to raise the rent, just because the economy has gone down," said Adams.

But for now managers sit comfortably, knowing the rent is being payed. If not, someone else will.

"I'm just going to keep trying, said Adams as he gets in his car to search for another apartment to rent.