Students, seniors, military, frontline workers, health-care workers benefit from many deals offered by landlords
Landlords across Canada continue to entice the best renters with offers of a month or two of free rent, gift cards, cash, free parking and free internet or TV service.
A few of the more creative incentives offered on Rentals.ca and Rentfaster.ca this month include: University students who sign a 12-month lease before a certain date can “live rent free in the event of cancellation of on-campus courses;” renters will receive “an absolutely unforgettable experience of your choice,” along with two months free rent; a choice between a $1,500 gift card to Structube or a new 128 GB iPhone 12 Pro; help in paying for moving costs; a stocked wine fridge and a Ritual and/or a Netflix gift card. Some deals are set up especially for seniors, students, health-care workers and frontline workers.
In Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Winnipeg, many incentives are offered for one- and two-bedroom apartments and condos, while in Edmonton and Calgary, some incentives are offered for houses and townhouses.
Many landlords are putting more effort into attracting tenants to the smaller one-bedroom apartments and condos in downtown cores, as people working from home look for more space
In Toronto and Vancouver, more incentives are available for new buildings, luxury rentals and two-bedroom apartments, while in Winnipeg and Montreal, one-bedroom apartments and condos have more promotions. The same can be said for Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa, but these cities also have a few townhouses and houses with incentives offered.
Plenty of promotions can be found for a variety of apartments and condos in Toronto as the lockdown restrictions loosen. Pre-pandemic, incentives for renters were hard to find with low vacancy rates and high demand, but during the pandemic and now entering the post-pandemic period deals abound.
Vancouver had the fewest promotions of the big cities, and the units offered with incentives are rented quickly.
Click the link to determine if the incentive listed here is still available. Some deals might be invalid or expired by the time this story is published.
1. Toronto
Many different incentives for renters in Toronto have replaced the lineup of renters for a single unit pre-pandemic.
Even with pandemic restrictions being slowly lifted, prospective renters can find a number of deals on the market.
Many of the deals for renters can be had in downtown Toronto, in new buildings, and for one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom apartments and condos.
A number of downtown renters shed their small units during the pandemic as they were allowed to work from home. So, they packed their bags and looked for more space in the suburbs and surrounding smaller cities.
Here are a sample of incentives offered from listings on Rentals.ca and Rentfaster.ca.
https://rentals.ca/toronto/wellesley-square – Summer promo: early move-in incentive when you sign a new lease on select units on or by June 30; get a $200 gift card when you apply on the same day.
https://rentals.ca/toronto/280-wellesley-street-east – One month free rent; move in by July 31 and receive Wellesley Parliament Square discount; complimentary gift card.
https://rentals.ca/toronto/484-spadina-ave – One month free plus $2,200 in welcome bonuses — $1,200 value in 1GB internet by Rogers; $500 Visa gift card, $500 Boxcar social gift card.
https://rentals.ca/north-york/100-graydon-hall-dr – New offers, including 13th month free; $500 gift card from your choice of Amazon, Homesense, Costco or Wayfair.
https://rentals.ca/east-york/50-thorncliffe-park-drive-1 – First month’s rent free when you move in by July 1; $250 move-in credit exclusive for first responders and health-care workers.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/on/toronto/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/pet-friendly/367545 – Move-in bonus: Two months free rent plus a $500 gift card.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/on/toronto/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/pet-friendly/428432 – 1) A choice between a $1,500 gift card to Structube or a new 128 GB iPhone 12 Pro. 2) A $500 gift card to Yonge Sheppard Centre. 3) A $300 Ritual gift card to support local restaurants. 4) A $200 Netflix gift card.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/on/toronto/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/pet-friendly/424086 – Two months free rent plus up to $1,000 in move-in bonuses including 1) A fully stocked wine fridge from Downtown Winery, a $500 value. 2) A $300 Ritual gift card. 3) A $200 Netflix gift card.
2. Montreal
The majority of deals in Montreal are for one-bedroom apartments or two-bedroom apartments and condos. Many deals are geared toward students eager to sign a lease and get back in the classroom.
Most of the incentives in Montreal are for one and two months free, with extras such as free gym membership, gift cards, or shorter leases. But a couple of the offers might cause a prospective renter to take notice: “Move in by July 1 and get two months free in addition to an absolutely unforgettable experience of your choice!” and for students rentals — “Sign a 12-month lease before June 30 and live rent free in the event of complete cancellation of on-campus courses.”
Here are a sample of incentives offered from listings on Rentals.ca and Rentfaster.ca.
https://rentals.ca/montreal/lacite-apartments – Limited time promotion: One month free for Immediate move-ins; exclusive Club LaCite offer (gym membership).
https://rentals.ca/montreal/370-montreal-rue-des-seigneurs – Limited time promotion: Get 50 per cent off two months rent when you lease any one-bedroom condo rental; get 50 per cent off three months rent when you lease any two-bedroom condo rental.
https://rentals.ca/montreal/3440-durocher-street – Two months free; special student Offer: $800 move-in bonus.
https://rentals.ca/montreal/2061-rue-stanley-1 – Up to two months free — limited-time promotion effective immediately; sign a lease for as few as six months and start as soon as today
https://rentals.ca/montreal/1430-rue-city-councillors-1 – 12-month lease option: First month’s rent free; eight-month lease option: $500 off first month’s rent; extra saving by signing with your friends: $200 off for groups of two, $225 off for groups of three and $250 off for groups of four.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/qc/montreal/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/327422 – Student incentive – Pre-book a unit for July, August or September and the third month’s rent is free; Promotions apply to new lease agreements with move-in dates on or before July 1. For student incentives, no cancellation penalty if in-person studies are cancelled/closed.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/qc/montreal/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/pet-friendly/304487 – Risk free for students renting with Hazelview. Sign a 12-month lease before June 30 and live rent free in the event of complete cancellation of on-campus courses
https://www.rentfaster.ca/qc/montreal/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/pet-friendly/304489 – Move in by July 1 and get two months free in addition to an absolutely unforgettable experience of your choice.
3. Vancouver
In Vancouver, not as many promotional offers can be found as in the other cities. And, the incentives offered, such as one and two months free rent, move-in bonuses and free utilities, are taken off the market quickly by renters.
Here are a sample of incentives offered from listings on Rentals.ca and Rentfaster.ca.
https://rentals.ca/vancouver/909-burrard-street – Bonus: Hydro, gas, central air-conditioning and heating all included.
https://rentals.ca/vancouver/1388-continental – Move-in bonus; limited time offer; contact the manager for details.
https://rentals.ca/vancouver/935-marine-drive – Limited time offer: One month free rent on a 12-month term; two months free rent on a 24-month term
https://rentals.ca/vancouver/1225-cardero-street – Limited Time Offer; One month free rent on a 12-month term; two months free rent on a 24-month term.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/bc/vancouver/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/downtown/360532 – 25 per cent off any Telus Optik TV and internet product monthly.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/bc/north-vancouver/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/upper-capilano/pet-friendly/404714 – One month free on a one-year lease; two months free on a two-year lease.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/bc/vancouver/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/downtown-eastside/450648 – This unit includes a parking stall and a storage locker and new hardwood floors in the kitchen/entryway. 50 per cent first-month rent incentive.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/bc/vancouver/rentals/office-space/downtown/449293 – Rental incentives up to $1,500.
4. Calgary
In Calgary, a number of incentives can be found for one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom apartments in the core and around the city. But a couple of houses and basement units have promotions offered in the Calgary listings — something not found in eastern cities where most all rental incentives are for apartments and condos.
Incentives in Calgary include a number of signing bonuses and cash back as well as one and two months free rent. And, a number of promotions focused on seniors, students, military personnel and frontline workers.
Here are a sample of incentives offered from listings on Rentals.ca and Rentfaster.ca.
https://rentals.ca/calgary/4515-varsity-dr-nw – Rent today and save up to two months on rent with the most exclusive rates on TELUS Optik TV and high-speed internet. Students receive a $300 move-in bonus.
https://rentals.ca/calgary/2105-90th-avenue-sw – $1,000 move-in bonus; no pet fee and a $399 security deposit; free early move-in after the 15th and 15 per cent off TELUS services.
https://rentals.ca/fr/calgary/201-10-ave-se-10th-ave – Rent now for up to 1.5 months rents free; zero security deposit; zero move-in fee; luxury Beltline living. https://rentals.ca/calgary/grid-5-apartments – Limited Time Offer: Rent Today and receive a $1,000 signing bonus!
https://rentals.ca/edmonton/heatheridge-estates-apartments – One month free on select suites with a one-year lease. Limited time only: Security deposit is $400, and only $250 for seniors and students.
https://rentals.ca/calgary/2102-30-cityside-road-ne – Grand opening special: One month free rent. Senior discounts: Save up to another month free, plus reduced damage deposit (Limited time offer. Ask for details). Refer a friend and get paid $250. Twelve months free cable and internet. Ask for details. https://rentals.ca/calgary/9100-bonaventure-drive-se-1 – One Month Free Rent
https://www.rentfaster.ca/ab/calgary/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/kingsland/pet-friendly/328918 – Limited time incentives. Receive $120/month off on select bachelor suites; $140/month off on select one-bedroom suites; $150/month off on select two-bedroom suites; or $50/month off on select three-bedroom suites. Plus, receive the first and 12th month free on a 12-month lease term.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/ab/calgary/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/brentwood/pet-friendly/403415 – Incentives: Save up to $5,000 off rent.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/ab/calgary/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/mission/pet-friendly/333230 – Apply now and receive half off rent.
5. Edmonton
The types of units with incentives in Edmonton is similar to Calgary for a number of one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom apartments throughout the city, but also for some houses and townhouses.
Incentives offered by landlords in Edmonton include one and two months free rent, different retail gift cards, free or marked down utilities such as internet and cable, move-in bonuses and cash incentives. A number of promotions are earmarked for seniors, military personnel, students and frontline workers.
Here are a sample of incentives offered from listings on Rentals.ca and Rentfaster.ca.
https://rentals.ca/edmonton/10054-79-avenue-nw – 50 per cent off rent for two months when you move in by July 1. Special promotion for Students: Sign your lease and receive a $150 Amazon gift card. $250 move-in credit exclusive for first responders and health-care workers. Some conditions apply.
https://rentals.ca/edmonton/8-hooper-crescent – Two-bedroom blowout. Submit an approved application today to receive up to one month rent free. Let us help with your moving expenses. The next two approved applicants for a two-bedroom suite will receive a $250 Walmart gift card. Special discount for seniors — $100 security deposit. Special discount for military and police — $50 off monthly rent with a term lease.
https://rentals.ca/edmonton/11808-100th-avenue – One month free rent on a 12-month lease; free Telus TV and internet for one year; $600 Amazon gift card upon move-in on a 12-month lease; reduced damage deposit of $395; reduced damage deposit of $100 for health-care workers, government workers, military, police, and 50-plus; free early possession, subject to unit availability.
https://rentals.ca/edmonton/1112-hermitage-road – Submit an approved application today and receive up to one month free rent. Let us help with your moving expenses. The next approved applicant will receive a $250 Walmart gift card. Military and police receive up to $50 off monthly rent with a term lease.
https://rentals.ca/edmonton/9837-110-street – One month free rent on a 12-month lease; free Telus TV and internet for one year; $600 Amazon gift card upon move-in on a 12-month lease; reduced damage deposit of $395. Reduced damage deposit of $100 for health-care workers, government workers, military, police, and 50-plus. Free early possession, subject to unit availability.
https://rentals.ca/edmonton/10250-115-st – Receive up to $2,772 off rent plus $300 move-in bonus on select suites and the most exclusive rates on TELUS Optik TV and high-speed Internet.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/ab/edmonton/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/mill-woods/254138 – One month rent free with lease; free internet; Best Buy gift card.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/ab/edmonton/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/downtown/pet-friendly/418710 – Receive 50 per cent off three months rent; reduced security deposit of $500; TELUS package available — get your first year free.
6. Ottawa
In Ottawa, most of the incentives offered by landlords are for one-bedroom apartments and two-bedroom apartments and condos closer to the core. Promotions are also offered on a couple of houses and apartments a little farther out.
Incentives are listed for both new and old apartments in Ottawa. Landlords in Ottawa as in most big Canadian cities are trying to lure back residents who left downtown looking for more space as they work from home.
Landlord incentives for renters in Ottawa include a number of discounts on rent, one and two months free rent, signing bonuses and summer specials.
Here are a sample of incentives offered from listings on Rentals.ca and Rentfaster.ca.
https://rentals.ca/ottawa/1541-lycee-place – Rent now and receive one month free rent on select one-bedroom units and a signing bonus of $500 on two-bedroom units.
https://rentals.ca/ottawa/the-seigniory – Enjoy the added convenience of one month free on select units when you lease for 13 months. Offer valid for new tenants only and subject to change without notice.
https://rentals.ca/ottawa/the-met-170-metcalfe-street – Move-in promotion: No last month’s rent deposit required on a 13-month lease.
https://rentals.ca/ottawa/385-besserer-st – Move-in promotion: One month free rent.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/on/ottawa/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/vanier-north/pet-friendly/435347 – $350 off your rent; the first year with a lease of 24 months.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/on/ottawa/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/bayshore-belltown/pet-friendly/453445 – Sign a new lease on a one-bedroom apartment in The Orion and receive two months free ($3,490), and a free one-year Platinum fitness membership.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/on/ottawa/rentals/house/3-bedrooms/carlingwood-west-glabar-park-mckellar-heights/449865 – $250 signing bonus for a July 3 occupancy.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/on/ottawa/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/ledbury-heron-gate-ridgemont/pet-friendly/413115 – Up to two months free on select suites.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/on/ottawa/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/britannia/pet-friendly/303934 – Apply today and receive one month free.
7. Winnipeg
In Winnipeg, many incentives are offered by landlords for one-bedroom apartments and condos spread out across the city.
Incentives offered by Winnipeg landlords include a number of units offered for discounted rent, move-in cash bonuses, free parking or utilities and gift cards.
Here are a sample of incentives offered from listings on Rentals.ca and Rendboard.ca.
https://rentals.ca/winnipeg/172-edmonton-street – Move-in bonus: One month free rent, plus we pay for your move.
https://rentals.ca/winnipeg/360-cumberland-ave – We’ll give you a $250 rental credit as a way to say thank you for referring a friend to sign a lease.
https://rentals.ca/winnipeg/291-st-annes-road – Move in bonus: $1,000; for more information, contact Building’s Resident Manager.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/mb/winnipeg/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/pembina-strip/pet-friendly/442533 – Get one month free rent and $750 in gift cards.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/mb/winnipeg/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/kildonan-park/pet-friendly/444983 – Massively discounted rents plus a $250 prepaid gift card for June move-ins.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/mb/winnipeg/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/fairfield-park/pet-friendly/419097 – On select units, get one month free or $1,000 cash at Bison Pointe III.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/mb/winnipeg/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/colony/pet-friendly/304012 – Apply today to receive two months free rent on select one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites; plus six months free parking on one-bedroom suites priced at $1,000/month and over.
https://www.rentfaster.ca/mb/winnipeg/rentals/apartment/1-bedroom/broadway-assiniboine/pet-friendly/303899 – Limited time incentives: Apply today receive two months free rent on select suites; plus six months free parking
