Rentals.ca Spring 2025 Renter Preference Survey: Affordability and Supply Remain Top Concerns

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Toronto, ON – March 20, 2024 – Rentals.ca has released its Spring 2025 Renter Preference Survey, providing fresh insights into the challenges facing Canadian renters. 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% 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% of renters are happy with the options they’ve seen. 76% of respondents believe more housing needs to be built to address these issues.

For those currently in the market, the rental search remains a frustrating experience. 52% say it has been very difficult to find a rental, while just 4% describe the process as easy. Rising interest rates have also impacted renter behaviour, with 45% of respondents delaying home-buying plans due to financial uncertainty. Despite these obstacles, renters remain highly mobile: 8% moved in the last few months, 25% in the past year, and 30% in the last two to three years.

New Renters Face Even Greater Challenges

First-time renters are particularly affected by affordability concerns and competition in the market. 79% of new renters plan to move within the next two months, yet the process is anything but smooth. 72% report difficulty securing a rental, and 63% 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—76%—agree that more housing construction is urgently needed.

When it comes to searching for a rental, digital platforms play a dominant role. 76% of renters rely on rental websites to browse listings, while fewer turn to social media, local classifieds, or word of mouth. 48% of renters are searching with a roommate or spouse, while 19% are first-time renters.
For media inquiries, please contact Giacomo Ladas at giacomo@rentals.ca or (905) 348-282.