Affordability and Supply Remain Top Concerns: Survey

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Rentals.ca has released its Spring 2025 Renter Preference Survey, which revealed that as peak rental season approaches, affordability, supply shortages, and difficulties securing a rental remain top concerns across the country.

“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.

Renters continue to struggle with the cost of housing, with 62 per cent reporting difficulties finding listings within their budget. At the same time, demand for rentals remains high, and satisfaction with available properties is low. Only 27 per cent of renters are happy with the options they’ve seen while 76 per cent of respondents believe more housing needs to be built to address these issues.

A total of 52 per cent say it has been very difficult to find a rental, while only 4 per cent describe 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 with 8 per cent 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 new renters plan to move within the next two months, yet the process is anything but smooth.

A total of 72 per cent report difficulty securing a rental, and 63 per cent are looking for units priced at $1,500 or less per month, a price range where supply is increasingly limited. The majority of new renters, or 76 per cent, 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 rely on rental websites to browse listings, while fewer turn to social media, local classifieds, or word of mouth. 48 per cent of renters are searching with a roommate or spouse, while 19 per cent are first-time renters.