Apartment renter cost burdens rose in nearly all major US metros from 2019 to 2022, reversing pre-pandemic improvements. Sharpest increases occurred in Sun Belt metros and cities like Columbus and Virginia Beach, with over 9 percentage point jumps. About half of renters now spend at least 30% of income on rent, returning to 2012 levels. Severe cost burdens, where rent exceeds half of income, are rising fastest in some areas despite stable averages, highlighting hidden affordability crises. New multifamily supply has softened rent hikes but hasn't eased deep affordability issues.