New Yorkers On TikTok Reveal What's Really Happening With Pandemic Rent Hikes

As COVID-19 cases stay at a low rate, the aftermath of the pandemic has begun in full effect, starting with sudden rent strikes in New York City, and the people of TikTok have spoken out about it, per the New York Post. TikTokers have taken over the app making sarcastic comments and laughing through the pain as they read their rent notices. Since most New Yorkers were able to bargain for a reasonable and affordable price to pay rent at the start of the pandemic, they are now facing notices telling them their rent is now double, for some almost triple, what they were paying.

Those who were able to afford to live in the nicer parts, such as West Village or Greenwich, will now have to settle for anything they can afford. Rent increased over 25% in the five boroughs for a one-bedroom, Manhattan being one of the highest parts to increase in December, according to Curbed.

Living in the Big Apple is now just a pipe dream for the majority of the people, at least in the nicer areas where everyone wants to be. TikTokers in NYC now have to figure out how they're going to afford rent or find somewhere else to live. Their reactions on TikTok brought together a community that are going through the same thing. User @camptaylur posted a video with the caption, "She cannot afford rent," while she screams after reading the notice, and her roommate gasps — both with shocked and concerned looks.

Another TikToker @lana.and.the.city posted her reaction, saying, "Me: finally happy and getting used to my life in NYC My Landlord: your rent is increasing from $2,500 to $4,950" and realizing her lease ends in April instead of May. There's going to be a lot of competition for those moving out and finding an affordable place to live going against one another. Since the rent increases are completely legal, per New York Post, many New Yorkers won't be able to fight their way out of it. TikToker @brittcurls talked about her own journey in trying to lower her rent on her $2,000 increase, claiming that the landlord would have to lower everyone else's rent if they found out she was paying less.