In video interview, National Apartment Association’s George Ratiu says higher gas prices affect bottom lines CoStar News Reporter Jonathan Lehrfeld, left, speaks with the National Apartment Association’s George Ratiu, right, at the Apartmentalize 2026 conference in New Orleans. (CoStar) June 23, 2026 | 2:34 P.M. A housing economist with the National Apartment Association said inflation caused partly by elevated gasoline prices is prompting renters to seek concessions from landlords.