The cover article in today's Willamette Week highlights Portland's tight rental market - the tightest in the nation, in fact, with a vacancy rate of just over 3% and ballooning rents across town.

"The days of apartment companies offering a month off or free parking are long gone," writes Hannah Hoffman. "Desperate renters are finding places have been rented within minutes after being posted on Craigslist. Some renters have offered to pay above the advertised rent if it means they can land the place."

"On paper, we're doing a pretty good job," Nick told Hoffman, "but the demand just keeps growing."

Renter's Hell: Why Portland is America's toughest rental market

Hannah Hoffman in the Willamette Week, December 7