A recent survey conducted by Rentals.ca highlights a significant divide among Saskatchewan renters as the province heads into its upcoming election. With housing affordability and rental policies taking centre stage, the survey reveals renters’ concerns and their influence on voting decisions, showing that housing issues will play a pivotal role in shaping the election outcome.

The survey, which polled renters across Saskatchewan, uncovered that 78.23 per cent of respondents identified high rental prices as the most pressing issue in the current rental market. Additionally, 87.60 per cent said they believe there are not enough affordable housing options in their area, underscoring the urgency of addressing housing affordability in the province.

When asked about the key policy areas candidates should focus on, nearly half (48.78%) pointed to affordable housing options for low-income renters as a priority, followed by 19.51 per cent supporting rent control policies. A significant majority (60.48%) also stated that rental housing policies will be a very important factor when deciding who to vote for in the election.

In addition, there was a near-even split between the two leading political parties. The Saskatchewan Party and the New Democratic Party (NDP) each garnered 29.91 per cent of respondents’ intended votes. However, a notable 28.21 per cent of renters indicated that they do not plan on voting, highlighting a sizable portion of the electorate that remains disengaged.

“It’s refreshing to see that renters are split, considering the NDP’s platform has promised protections for renters via Rent Control or rent increase caps,” said Max Steinman, CEO of Rentals.ca. “It shows that Saskatchewan residents have a balanced understanding of the potentially harmful impacts that rent control has in the long-term to overall housing supply and investment and upkeep in housing stock.”

For more information on the survey results and insights into Saskatchewan’s rental market, visit Rentals.ca