even beyond pre pandemic norms. more than five million u. s households are behind on rent. experts blame a perfect storm rents keep rising amid high inflation. covid moratoriums on evictions are ending and pandemic programs, especially rental assistance are running dry. in mid march, a texas rent relief program had to stop accepting applications just two days after starting overwhelmed. and by the demand, it s just simple hard times, says she fell behind on rent in february after losing her job. a photo of her kids in one hand on eviction notice in the other. she says she wants to pay off her debt but fear she may have to move tried to make it and, um, you know, it s tough to do it on your own. some cities have bucked this trend, largely thanks to new tenant protections , like more funding for free legal assistance during an eviction, which few cities or states guarantee. tickets say