Toronto, ON – September 26, 2024 – Rentals.ca has released the results of its latest survey, shedding light on the most pressing issues facing British Columbia’s rental market. With the province grappling with a housing crisis, the survey engaged renters and landlords to uncover their primary concerns and policy preferences ahead of the upcoming provincial election.
“Renters have become aware of the issues affecting their communities and with BC as a whole maintaining Canada's highest rents, it's clear that BC residents take housing policy seriously,” said David Aizikov, Senior Data Analyst at Rentals.ca. “This should be a wake-up call for politicians to get serious and put together realistic plans for the future.”
Key findings from the survey include:
- High rental prices were identified by 68% of respondents as the biggest issue facing BC's rental market.
- Limited supply of rental housing was noted by 11% of respondents, while only 3% pointed to tenant protections as a top concern.
- Government action is seen as essential, with 81% of respondents stating that housing policies will heavily influence their voting decisions.
- Affordable housing options for low-income renters and policies encouraging rental housing development were ranked as the most important areas for government focus.
The survey also explored public opinion on the recently introduced Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act, with only 35% of respondents supporting the measure. Additionally, the survey found that 37% of respondents remain undecided about their voting intentions in the upcoming BC general election.
The survey results underscore the critical need for government intervention to address BC’s rental market challenges. Respondents highlighted the importance of affordable housing, rent control, and expanded tenant protections, while also emphasizing the need for policies that accelerate housing development and address the impact of foreign investment.
Rentals.ca will continue to create and publish results of both renter and landlord surveys to give a voice to those experiencing the ebbs and flows of the Canadian rental market. The future promises a more informed, responsive, and equitable rental market for all involved.
For more information on the survey results and insights into BC’s rental market, visit the Rentals.ca blog.