As Saskatchewan heads toward its provincial election, Rentals.ca conducted a survey to understand renters’ concerns and priorities regarding rental housing in the province. The survey responses provide valuable insights into the key issues influencing voting decisions, particularly housing affordability, policy priorities, and market concerns.
Key Survey Findings:
What do you think is the biggest issue with the current rental market in Saskatchewan?
- High rental prices: 78.23%
- Rental housing demand: 8.06%
- Impact of rising interest rates: 4.84%
- Lack of tenant protections: 5.65%
Which policy area do you think candidates should focus on the most regarding rental housing?
- Affordable housing options for low-income renters: 48.78%
- Rent control policies: 19.51%
- Encouraging rental housing construction: 13.01%
- Improving rental housing quality and safety: 9.76%
- Expanding tenant rights and protections: 1.63%
Do you feel that there are enough affordable housing options in your area?
- Yes: 12.40%
- No: 87.60%
How much of a priority do you believe that more multi-level dwellings (e.g., apartments) should be for the provincial government?
- Very important: 52.85%
- Somewhat important: 28.46%
- Not important: 10.57%
- Not sure: 5.69%
How important are rental housing policies to you when choosing who to vote for?
- Very Important: 60.48%
- Somewhat Important: 30.65%
- Not Very Important: 1.61%
- They do not affect how I vote: 5.65%
How are you planning to vote?
- Saskatchewan Party: 29.91%
- New Democratic Party (NDP): 29.91%
- Saskatchewan Green Party: 4.27%
- Saskatchewan Progress Party: 5.13%
- Buffalo Party: 1.71%
- I don’t plan on voting: 28.21%
Conclusion:
As the election approaches, the insights from this survey provide a clearer picture of what renters in Saskatchewan are looking for: affordable housing, rent control, and policies that address the current challenges in the rental market. The question remains—how will candidates respond, and will renters’ concerns be addressed in the next government? Whatever the outcome, the rental market will continue to be a crucial factor in the province’s political landscape.
Notably, the survey revealed a tight race between the Saskatchewan Party and the New Democratic Party (NDP), with each securing just under 30% of respondents’ intended votes. This neck-and-neck competition reflects the importance of housing policies in the minds of voters. However, over 28% of respondents indicated they don’t plan on voting, a significant figure that highlights the need for greater voter engagement among renters who may feel disconnected from the political process.
By listening to the voices of both renters and landlords, policymakers can craft solutions that reflect the needs of the entire housing ecosystem. The insights gathered from this poll, and future Rentals.ca polls will serve as a valuable tool in understanding and addressing the challenges facing the rental market today.
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.
