South Florida neighborhoods are seeing a new wave of challenges as rental RVs — once marketed as a stopgap housing option — increasingly appear in communities. In Richmond Heights, neighbors have started organizing, riding buses together, and documenting the growing number of RVs parked in their streets.
Some of the RVs are being used as long-term residences. Concerns are rising among longtime residents worried about safety, community values, and the devaluation of one of the few neighborhoods where Black families could own or develop a home after World War II. Now, many residents view the influx of rental RVs as a threat to that legacy.
“We are concerned about the illegal, black-market rentals that are going on in Richmond Heights. We said enough was enough,” one woman from the community said.
One long-time resident added, “We cannot have that. That is not a part of our makeup.”
Their calls for action have received support from local officials.
In a Tik Tok video statement, Kionne McGhee said, “It’s devaluing this community, but it’s also removing the dignity.”
County code inspectors and Miami-Dade County officials are reportedly aware of the situation and investigating the RVs and vehicle-based rentals.
The increase in RV living is part of a broader national trend — fueled by soaring housing costs, inflation, and a shrinking supply of affordable housing. According to CNBC, about 486,000 Americans now live full-time in RVs in 2025, more than double the number just a few years ago.
Many of these households are low- or moderate-income; in Florida, a new Realtor housing study estimates there are roughly 904,000 renting households earning less than 60% of median income, and paying over 40% of their income on housing — a sign that traditional housing is increasingly out of reach for working families.
At the same time, statewide homeless counts are rising. The 2025 Rental Market Study shows a sharp increase in both individuals and families experiencing homelessness — a 14% increase in homeless individuals and a 28% increase in homeless families since the last count.
CBS News says that inflation and housing-cost spikes in 2025 are major drivers behind this trend. Many families say they are turning to RVs and vehicle-based living out of financial necessity, not choice.
While some families may view RV living as a temporary solution, long-term RV residency — especially through rental or “black-market” schemes — it could lead to conditions that trouble communities: overcrowding, lack of infrastructure, parking issues, sanitation, and safety concerns.
Resources for Residents Facing Housing Instability
For South Florida residents experiencing housing insecurity — including those at risk of eviction, homelessness, or unsafe living conditions — help is available. Miami-Dade County offers emergency rental assistance, shelter referral services, and case management through the Homeless Trust (305-375-1490).
Residents can also contact the Housing Advocacy Network of Dade for tenant-rights support, and Florida 211 provides 24/7 connections to local housing programs, financial-assistance resources and crisis services. Community members are encouraged to reach out early, as many programs operate on limited funding and high demand.
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