A recent survey conducted by Rentals.ca highlights a significant divide among Ontario 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.

While some renters said they feel informed about housing policies, a significant portion indicated they are still unclear about where political parties stand ahead of the election.

Voting intentions show a split among respondents, with a large group still undecided. 25 per cent of the 500 respondents said they are leaning towards the Conservative Party, 17 per cent are in favour of the Liberals, 12 per cent support the NDP, 8 per cent have chosen “None of the above,” and 3 per cent are leaning towards the Green Party.

Housing affordability 

An overwhelming 85 per cent of renters said they believe housing affordability has worsened over the past five years. Factors contributing to this decline, according to  respondents, include:

• 19% Inflation and economic instability
• 16% Lack of housing supply
• 14% Wage stagnation compared to rising housing prices
• 14% Government policies or inaction
• 12% High interest rates
• 7% Rising Construction Costs
• 5% Zoning and municipal regulations
• 5% Social and/or demographic factors
• 4% Short-term rental markets (e.g. Airbnb)

When asked about their confidence in a political party’s ability to address the housing issue, no party faired particularly well. The majority of respondents indicated “low confidence” in the parties, including the Conservatives (48%) and the Liberals (53%).

For the full picture, visit: Ontario Election Survey 2025