According to a new renter feedback survey from Rentals.ca, affordability pressures continue to weigh heavily on Canadians, with 62 per cent of respondents reporting they spend more than 30 per cent of their income on rent. In Toronto, the strain is even more pronounced, with 70 per cent of respondents claiming they spend over 30 per cent of their income on rent, compared with 60 per cent in other markets.

Rising rents are partly to blame. Nearly two‑thirds of those surveyed (63%) said their rent has increased since the summer, adding further pressure on households already dedicating a significant share of their income to housing.

High rent prices overwhelmingly shaped the rental search experience. When asked about their biggest challenge, 69 per cent pointed to high prices—far outpacing concerns about supply, listing quality, or scams. This trend appears consistent across regions, underscoring that affordability issues are national in scope.

The survey also highlights notable differences by age group. Among renters aged 25 to 34, 43 per cent report spending more than half of their net income on rent. A similar level of strain is felt by 37 per cent of renters aged 35 to 54, showing that affordability pressures extend well beyond younger renters.

Budget expectations further reveal the disconnect between what renters can afford and what the market offers. Seven in ten renters say their budget for their next home is under $2,000, even as asking rents in many cities exceed that threshold. Renters searching in high‑cost markets such as Toronto and Vancouver report higher budgets, reflecting the limited availability of lower‑priced options.

For a complete breakdown of the Winter 2025 Renter Feedback Survey, click here.