In our Inaugural Renter Preference Survey from March of 2024, we gathered responses from over 600 renters across Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta to understand their preferences and challenges. Now, with 1,486 respondents from new regions—including Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and the Prairies—this update expands on our findings to capture emerging trends across Canada.

 

By surveying 1,486 renters across the country, including new markets such as Quebec, Atlantic, Canada, and the entire prairie provinces, we’ve identified key trends shaping the future of rental housing in Canada. From faster move timelines to higher satisfaction, these insights offer a timely look into the country’s rental scene.

 

Our Sample Size Consists of:

Total – 1,487

Alberta – 289

British Columbia – 369

Quebec – 64

Ontario – 557

Atlantic Canada – 38

Western Canada – 148

 

Key National Trends

• Renter Satisfaction Improves: The likelihood of renters recommending their current rental increased from 25% to 32%, which is a positive sign to see during peak rental season over the summer months. With move-in incentives increasing in frequency among active listings, renters have the opportunity to reap awards when moving to a new place.

• Reduced Dissatisfaction:  We once again asked renters if they were to recommend their rental property to someone else, to which we saw a reduction from 12% to 5% in those who said they were unlikely to recommend their property.

• Quicker Search Times: Renters are spending less time searching for their apartments. The percentage of renters searching for more than two weeks dropped from 57%, all the way to 35%.

• Renter Profiles:  42% of respondents answered that they were in a relationship (either married or non-married), and 16% had children. With an increase in demand for two- and three-bedroom rentals as seen on Rentals.ca, larger families continue to make up a high percentage of the marketplace.

Longstanding trends of declining homeownership and aging first-time buyer profiles are reflected in our data, with renters becoming older, household sizes increasing year over year, and two-bedroom units showing the fastest annual growth rate. These shifts highlight substantial changes in Canadian rental markets this year.

 

Provincial Breakdown

 

Our ongoing efforts to increase the survey’s reach have allowed provincial insights to emerge across the country.

 

British Columbia: Faster Decisions

 

B.C. renters are making quicker decisions, with search durations over two weeks dropping from 20% to 7% and planned moves within two months also falling from 32% to 20%. Check out our monthly rent report to see how prices are influencing search speeds in B.C.

 

 

Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba: Short-Term Searches on the Rise

Across the Prairies, short-term searches are gaining popularity. Renters completing their search in less than a week jumped from 4% to 21%, suggesting a high level of motivation or availability of appealing options.

 

Ontario: On the Same Page

 

Since our last survey, the number of Ontario renters who strongly agree that we need to build more housing has increased from 28% to 63%. Toronto, specifically, now leads in population loss to other provinces, surpassing all Canadian cities combined. With the city facing an affordability crisis and renter preferences changing to deprioritizing downtown living, Ontario needs a greater supply of affordable housing.

 

Quebec: First-Time Renters Making Moves

Quebec is experiencing a surge in first-time renters, up from 14% to 36%. Cities like Montreal, with comparatively affordable options, are attracting renters, especially when compared to the cost of purchasing a home.

 

 

As renters navigate the evolving economic landscape and changing housing demands, our survey shines a light on how Canadians adapt in real-time—through faster searches, a growing desire for flexibility, and more housing supply. These insights reflect not just statistics, but the resilient, adaptive spirit of renters nationwide.

 

Rentals.ca remains dedicated to listening to the voices of renters and landlords alike, providing valuable data that informs the broader housing conversation. We’re here to monitor these trends, support better decision-making, and advocate for an equitable, informed rental market across Canada. With each survey, we deepen our commitment to understanding the needs of Canadian renters and landlords, helping to create a more transparent and responsive market for everyone involved.