Priced Out

Although rents in Los Angeles and many other areas have remained stagnant, they are expected to rise later as the economy improves and as little new construction takes place. The prospect of rising rents worries affordable-housing advocates, who fear an increase in overcrowding.

Despite stagnant rents in recent years, an estimated 44% of renters in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area cannot afford a one-bedroom apartment, according to a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. More than half of renters cannot afford a two-bedroom apartment at going rates.

Jesus Sanchez can be reached at Jesus.Sanchez@latimes.com