Report shows Guilford County renters face big challenges when it comes to finding housing

A recent assessment shows renters in Guilford County face more challenges finding affordable homes than others across the state.

Bowen National Research conducted the study which was commissioned by numerous realtor groups — both national and local. It looked mainly at central North Carolina. According to the report, nearly half of renters in Guilford County are considered cost-burdened.

This comes as the area could face a gap of more than 14,000 rental units by 2029, which was the largest projected deficit in the region.

Guilford County Commissioner Pat Tillman said at a recent work session that another property tax increase could further harm the most vulnerable.

"These property owners that are renting these properties, they're going to pass those costs along," he said. "I don't know many that are going to absorb that."

According to the study, availability of land, development costs and zoning regulations were cited as some of the most common barriers to building more homes.