Toronto, ON — August 13, 2025 — Rentals.ca’s latest Summer 2025 Renter Preference Survey paints a stark picture of the Canadian rental market, with affordability challenges dominating renter concerns while lifestyle-driven features remain in high demand.
The survey of over 500 renters across the country found that 34% spend more than half of their after-tax income on rent, far exceeding the commonly cited affordability benchmark of 30%. Younger renters (ages 18–24) are particularly affected, with nearly half (49%) in this high-spend group — despite having the lowest budgets.
Affordability Front and Centre
· 34% of renters spend over 50% of their income on rent.
· Only 22% are spending 30% of their income or less on rent, which is often considered the affordability benchmark.
· Renters spending more than half their income are more likely to face longer searches, dissatisfaction with listings, and consider moving cities.
· Only 22% are spending 30% of their income or less on rent, which is often considered the affordability benchmark.
· Renters spending more than half their income are more likely to face longer searches, dissatisfaction with listings, and consider moving cities.
Top Amenities Worth Paying More For
Despite budget constraints, renters are willing to pay a premium for:
Despite budget constraints, renters are willing to pay a premium for:
1. In-unit laundry — 57%
2. Air conditioning — 44%
3. Parking — 43%
4. Private outdoor space — 34%
5. Pet-friendly policies — 31%
2. Air conditioning — 44%
3. Parking — 43%
4. Private outdoor space — 34%
5. Pet-friendly policies — 31%
In-unit laundry ranked as the top feature across all age groups. A/C and parking ranked especially high for families and those in larger buildings.
Relocation Considerations
· 57% of renters spending over half their income are considering moving to a different city due to high prices.
· Over half of these renters are searching for units under $1,499/month, despite allocating a large share of their income to rent.
· Over half of these renters are searching for units under $1,499/month, despite allocating a large share of their income to rent.
Move-In Incentives: Mixed Appeal
· Renters aged 25–54 are most responsive to incentives like free rent or utility discounts.
· Younger (18–24) and older (55+) renters are less influenced, prioritizing other factors.
· Younger (18–24) and older (55+) renters are less influenced, prioritizing other factors.
For a complete breakdown of the Summer 2025 Renter Preference Survey, including city-by-city trends and deeper demographic insights, visit our blog section at Rentals.ca/blog.
The findings are based on responses from 510 individuals across Canada. The margin of error is ±4.3% at a 95% confidence level.