A recent survey by Rentals.ca suggests today’s tenants are facing serious affordability challenges, with 34 per cent of respondents claiming they spend more than half of their after-tax income on rent. This number far exceeds the commonly cited affordability benchmark of 30 per cent; moreover, younger renters (ages 18–24) are particularly affected, making up nearly half (49%) of this high-spend group despite having the lowest budgets.

The survey also looked at renter preferences, including must-have amenities, services and property features. Despite budget constraints, respondents said they are willing to pay a premium for in-unit laundry (57%), air conditioning (44%), parking (43%), private outdoor space (34%) and pet-friendly policies (31%). In-unit laundry ranked as the top feature across all age groups, while AC and parking ranked higher among families and those in larger apartment buildings.

In terms of the intent to move, renters are increasingly considering relocating to different cities, with 57 per cent citing the desire to move due to escalating costs. Move-in incentives were also probed, with adults aged 25 to 54 indicating they are most motivated by financial perks such as free rent or utility discounts, while younger renters (18–24) and seniors (55+) prioritized other factors over financial incentives.

For a complete breakdown of the Summer 2025 Renter Preference Survey, including city specific results, click here: Summer 2025 Renter Survey: What Canadians Are Spending, Prioritizing, and Searching For