Nearly a third of apartment renters in the United States did not pay their landlords during the first week of the month.

Details were released Wednesday by the National Multifamily Housing Council.

According to the NMHC, only 69% of tenants paid their rent by April 5, compared to 81% who had paid their March rent. The analysis also showed that 82% had paid by the same time last year.

The figures reflect data from 13.4 million units across the country.

"The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in significant health and financial challenges for apartment residents and multifamily owners, operators and employees in communities across the country," NMHC president Doug Bibby said.

"However, it is important to note that a large number of residents met their obligations despite unparalleled circumstances, and we will see that figure increase over the coming weeks. That is a testament to the quick, proactive actions taken by NMHC members who put forward bold solutions."

The Wall Street Journal identifies NMHC as a landlord trade group. The newspaper said the group cautioned that many renters who haven't paid yet may still pay later this month and an increase in paperless payments over the weekend may not be reflected in the figures.

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