The current state of inflation isn't helping rent prices any, neither does all the people who abused the various rent moratoriums over the kung-flu, but rent has been out of control for a long time. Landlords know many people are renting because their credit score sucks and can't get a mortgage, so those tenants are forced to rent at whatever price the landlords set it at. Add in ever-increasing property taxes that landlords have to cover, the number of corporate rental companies who often take care of rentals for owners, adding a layer of bureaucracy and cost, and in some areas (like the whole DFW metroplex) lack of supply, and rent gets ugly fast. We had a nice house, nice neighborhood, mostly well taken care of by the company, 4 bdr, 2 bath, that was about to go to $2000 a month when we moved out.
Unlike the DUmp, who just want to gripe and plea for almighty government to come save them, I'll ask what are some realistic solutions? Run for the local offices that affect property taxes, be attentive to local elections, both the people running and the various bond issues/tax proposals that come up. Bust your own butt to put back money and get your credit score in order to buy a house so you aren't affected by rent. Put the money you save into investment property to rent out yourself and charge what you think is more fair (yes, real world costs will likely shoot a hole in that one fast, but if enough people did it their darn selves, a market change is likely). Teach your children that it's worth owning a house and what they need to do to reach that goal.