Continuing our series of election surveys, Rentals.ca captured the perspectives of 460 renters across Nova Scotia in preparation for their upcoming provincial election. This survey highlights renters’ primary concerns, particularly around housing affordability, policy preferences, and market dynamics, which may significantly influence their voting choices.
Key Survey Findings:
- Main Issues in the Rental Market
When asked, “What do you think is the biggest issue with the current rental market in Nova Scotia?” High rental prices emerged as the dominant concern, noted by an overwhelming 90% of respondents.
Smaller percentages were concerned with rental housing demand (6%), lack of tenant protections (4%), and other issues such as low vacancy rates and a shortage of affordable public housing.
- Policy Priorities
We asked Nova Scotia renters which policy they think candidates should focus on the most regarding rental housing.
- Respondents prioritized affordable housing options for low-income renters (48%) and rent control policies (32%) as top areas for candidates to address.
- Other notable mentions include expanding tenant rights (8%) and incentivizing new rental development (5%).
- Availability of Affordable Housing
- An overwhelming 99% of respondents stated that more affordable housing options in their area must be available.
- Priority for Multi-Level Dwellings
- 68% of respondents believe that prioritizing the construction of multi-level dwellings, such as apartment buildings, should be “very important” for the provincial government.
- An additional 25% rated it as “somewhat important.”
- Influence of Rental Housing Policies on Voting
- 65% indicated that rental housing policies are “very important” in their voting decision, with 26% marking them as “somewhat important.”
- Voting Intentions
- Current voting intentions show the Progressive Conservative Association of Nova Scotia leading at 27%, followed by the Nova Scotia Liberal Party (24%) and Nova Scotia New Democratic Party (19%). Notably, 23% of respondents do not plan to vote.
Nova Scotia renters face significant affordability challenges, with a strong call for policy reforms in affordable housing and an increase in housing supply. In the upcoming election, housing policies are likely to play a key role in voter decisions. Rentals.ca’s survey underscores the critical issues renters hope to see addressed in the upcoming election, setting the stage for policymakers to listen closely to renter concerns and respond with impactful solutions.
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.
