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Tariffs and Real Estate: How Landlords and Renters Both Win

  • Apr 17
  • 3 min read

Updated: May 5


Close-up of a product label reading "Made in USA," symbolizing domestic manufacturing and trade policy impact.

In the past, U.S. landlords, builders, and consumers were often at a disadvantage on the global trade field — facing low or nonexistent tariffs on imports while other countries placed higher tariffs on U.S. goods. But today, with smarter and more strategic tariff policies in place, we’re beginning to level that playing field, and it's having an impact on housing and real estate.


While many discussions about tariffs focus on manufacturers or farmers, the truth is: landlords and renters are affected too — and the shift is increasingly in their favor.


Tariffs and Real Estate: A Quiet Shift That’s Helping Landlords Nationwide


For years, cheap imports flooded the market due to imbalanced or nonreciprocal tariff agreements. While this offered short-term cost savings, it also undercut domestic industries, including construction materials, appliances, tools, and the contractors who are overly dependent on imports.


Today, with tariffs being adjusted to reflect more equal terms, we’re seeing:


  • Countries lowering their own tariffs on U.S. goods in response

  • U.S. manufacturers regaining competitive footing via U.S. reshoring efforts

  • More domestic production capacity — including in the housing supply chain



Scrabble tiles spelling out China, USA, and Tariffs — illustrating global trade tensions and policy balance.

Landlords Benefit from Stronger Local Supply Chains


Landlords rely on everything from water heaters to flooring to roofing shingles. When these can be produced domestically at competitive prices, it leads to:


  • More predictable costs (no dependency on volatile overseas shipping)

  • Faster turnaround times for repairs or turnovers

  • More responsive, local vendor relationships

  • Less inflationary pressure in the long run


All of this helps landlords maintain their properties more efficiently — which directly benefits tenants.


"This isn’t politics — it's common sense and it’s practicality...

And it’s working."


Renters Benefit from Stability and Quality


When landlords have access to reliable, locally sourced materials and labor, renters gain too:


  • Fewer delays on maintenance and move-in readiness

  • More stable rents as cost swings and housing costs flatten

  • Increased investment in long-term durability vs. quick fixes

  • Properties that are more tailored to American living standards (not one-size-fits-all global stock) you do have.



Container ship transporting global goods — representing international trade and the effects of tariffs on imports.

The End of the "Race to the Bottom"


Unfair trade practices often led to cut corners and lower-quality imports just to compete on price. That meant lower durability for finishes, appliances that broke too fast, and outsourced labor without accountability.


Fairer tariffs are helping reverse this trend. We're seeing:


  • Higher standards in what goes into American homes

  • Better opportunities for small landlords to compete with large-scale institutional investors who relied heavily on import margins

  • More pride in ownership and maintenance



Traditional barn with American flag draped across it — symbolizing U.S. values, self-reliance, and domestic supply chains.

What Can Landlords Do Right Now?


  • Source from U.S. manufacturers when possible

  • Share that value in listings (“Proudly renovated with American-made materials”)

  • Take advantage of price stability in domestic sourcing over time

  • Build relationships with local tradespeople who benefit from a stronger U.S. market


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Who is Ricardo? ...about the Author.


Final Takeaway


Tariffs aren’t just about trade — they’re about fairness, security, and stability at home. When the playing field is balanced, landlords get better tools to manage properties, and renters enjoy better housing, stronger neighborhoods, and a more dependable experience.


This isn’t politics — it's common sense and it’s practicality... And it’s working.




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About the Author Ricardo Reis - Learn About Ricardo

Entrepreneur, Inventor, Investor, Military Veteran. Ricardo is a member of G3 Management & Investments a division of Great Lakes Real Estate and a real estate professional. He is a real estate professional and a successful real estate investor for over 15 years.

NOT INVESTMENT, FINANCIAL, LEGAL, TAX, OR OTHER ADVICE: This blog is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. We do not offer advice, solicitation, recommendations, or endorsements. You are solely responsible for evaluating the information's merits and risks. Always consult a qualified professional before acting.

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