Rentals.ca has released its 2025 Year in Review, capturing millions of renter decisions made across the platform and offering a data-driven look at where rental demand surged most in Canada, when renters were most active, and what features they prioritized most while searching.
Cities with the Most Rental Demand (Top 10 by Total Leads)
Ranked by total rental leads submitted:
Fastest-Growing Rental Markets in Canada
Peak Rental Season and Busiest Day
On July 9th, lead volume was 64% higher than the annual daily average.
Notable anomaly: On March 6, a short-term spike in rental leads was experienced, reaching ~71% above average.
This spike coincided with major international economic news, specifically the announcement of a delay on proposed U.S. tariffs by President Donald Trump, which appears to have temporarily accelerated renter activity.
When Renters Are Most Active (Day & Time)
General pattern: The majority of leads are submitted after noon, with activity concentrated between 12 PM and 8 PM.
Global Interest in Canadian Rentals
Top countries by traffic to Rentals.ca:
Insight: Rental searches on Rentals.ca attract significant international interest, reflecting migration, relocation, and study-related demand.
Amenity Searches Ranked by Popularity
Insight: Practical, everyday features continue to outweigh luxury amenities.
Fastest-Rising Amenities (Year-over-Year Growth)
Insight: In-unit convenience and wellness-related amenities gained significant importance in 2025.
Property Types Renters Searched for Most
Top property type filters used:
Insight: While apartments remain the dominant demand, renters continue to explore a range of diverse housing options.
What the Most Successful Listings Had in Common
Listings with the highest lead volumes shared these traits:
- Older buildings that were renovated with modern finishes
- Well-priced relative to surrounding market options
- Located in dense, urban areas with strong transit and road access
- Amenities were not excessive, but often included pet friendliness and in-suite laundry
- High-quality visuals: minimum of 18 photos, with many exceeding 30+ photos
- Detailed, complete descriptions outlining unit features, amenities, and neighbourhood context
- All structured listing fields were fully completed, ensuring no missing information
Insight: Listing completeness, clarity, and pricing matter more than luxury add-ons.
For more information on demand trends, visit the Rentsync Demand Report.
Rentals.ca is Canada’s premier online marketplace for renters and landlords, providing a comprehensive suite of tools and resources tailored to simplify the rental process. With an extensive selection of listings across the country, Rentals.ca offers user-friendly search functionality that helps renters find their perfect home efficiently. For landlords, Rentals.ca delivers effective advertising solutions to maximize visibility and fill vacancies faster. Committed to innovation and excellence, Rentals.ca aims to empower users with up-to-date market insights and expert guidance, making renting easier and more accessible for everyone.