August 14, 2025
RED FM News Desk
A new survey from Rentals.ca paints a stark picture of Canada’s rental market, highlighting significant affordability challenges for renters. The Summer 2025 Renter Preference Survey found that while many prioritize affordability, a large portion of the population is dedicating more than half their income to rent.
The survey of over 500 renters revealed that 34% spend over 50% of their after-tax income on rent, far exceeding the commonly accepted affordability benchmark of 30%. This issue is particularly acute for young renters aged 18-24, with nearly half (49%) falling into this high-spend category despite having the lowest budgets.
This financial strain is leading to longer housing searches, dissatisfaction with available listings, and a greater willingness to consider moving to a different city.
Despite these budget constraints, renters have a clear list of priorities for which they’re willing to pay more. In-unit laundry topped the list as the most desirable feature, with 57% of respondents willing to pay a premium for it across all age groups. Other high-demand amenities included air conditioning (44%), parking (43%), private outdoor space (34%), and pet-friendly policies (31%). For families and those in larger apartment buildings, A/C and parking were especially important.
The financial pressure is also driving a significant portion of the rental population to consider relocation. The survey highlights that 57% of renters who spend over half their income on rent are thinking about moving to a different city to find more affordable housing. A notable finding is that over half of these individuals are searching for units priced under $1,499 per month, even though they’re currently allocating a large share of their income to higher rent.
When it comes to move-in incentives, the survey found a mixed response. Renters aged 25-54 are the most receptive to incentives like free rent or utility discounts. However, both younger (18-24) and older (55+) renters are less influenced by these offers, suggesting that they prioritize other factors over short-term savings.
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