As peak rental season approaches, affordability, supply shortages, and difficulties securing a rental unit remain top concerns across the country, according to the Spring 2025 Renter Preference Survey from Rentals.ca.
“With affordability at the forefront of renters’ concerns, our Spring 2025 survey highlights the urgency for more rental supply,” said David Aizikov, Manager of Data Services at Rentals.ca. “The data is clear—many Canadians are struggling to find homes within their budget, and the demand for rental housing continues to grow. As we enter peak rental season, policymakers and industry stakeholders must take action.”
Findings from the survey show that renters are still facing high housing costs, with 62 per cent of respondents stating they are struggling to find affordable listings. Despite strong demand, only 27 per cent said they are satisfied with available properties. Additionally, 76 per cent said they believe that increasing housing construction is necessary to address these issues.
For those currently in the market, the rental search remains a frustrating experience. 52 per cent of respondents said it has been very difficult to find a rental, while just 4 per cent described the process as easy. Rising interest rates have also impacted renter behaviour, with 45 per cent of respondents delaying home-buying plans due to financial uncertainty.
Despite these obstacles, renters remain highly mobile: 8 per cent said they have moved in the last few months; 25 per cent in the past year; and 30 per cent in the last two to three years.
First-time renters are particularly affected by affordability concerns and competition in the market. 79 per cent of the survey respondents said they plan to move within the next two months, despite the challenging process. 72 per cent reported difficulty securing a rental, especially those looking for units priced at $1,500 or less per month. The majority of new renters—76 per cent—said they agree that more housing construction is urgently needed.
When it comes to searching for a rental, digital platforms play a dominant role. 76 per cent of renters said they rely on rental websites to browse listings, while fewer turn to social media, local classifieds, or word of mouth. 48 per cent said they are searching with a roommate or spouse, while 19 per cent are first-time renters.
