Challenging Pittsburgh rental markets this year in 2024

[Jason H.]

Has everyone noticed that the rental market in PGH been especially difficult this year? My properties are in Brentwood, used to be able to get many applicants, but now it's just a trickle in the height of summer and quality of tenants is less than desirable and with much longer DOM.  It seems that good, decent, qualified tenants have the pick of the litter, often flaky and uncommitted when there is so much supply out there.  I understand that rent price is a huge factor, but there is only so much room you can lower it before all you attract is the wrong crowd. 

What has everyone been doing to deal with this reality?