TORONTO, ON, June 25, 2026 — The newly released Spring Renter Preference Survey from Rentals.ca reveals that affordability remains the defining challenge for Canadian renters, with 70% of respondents identifying high rent prices as the biggest obstacle in their housing search.
The survey, which collected responses from 1,194 renters across Canada, found that affordability concerns continue to outweigh all other rental market challenges by a significant margin. Unsuitable listings (11%) and low rental supply (6%) ranked far behind rising housing costs.
Affordability concerns were also found to extend across income levels. While renters with lower budgets overwhelmingly identified rent prices as their primary challenge, higher-budget renters were more likely than other groups to report difficulties finding suitable units or available inventory, but high rents remained the top concern among all groups. Four in ten respondents (40%) said they are planning to move primarily to find a more affordable rental, making it the most common reason for relocating. By comparison, 30% cited a desire for more space, while 22% said they are moving for work or school.
Renters are also preparing for rental costs to remain high. Only 25% of respondents expect rents to decline over the next six months, while nearly half expect prices to either remain unchanged or increase further.
The survey highlights a growing disconnect between renters' budgets and market realities. Forty-two per cent of respondents reported a monthly rental budget of less than $1,500, while Canada's average asking rent currently exceeds $2,000 per month.
Key Survey Findings:
- 70% of renters say high rent prices are the biggest challenge in their housing search.
- 40% are planning to move to find a more affordable rental.
- 42% have a rental budget below $1,500 per month.
- 36% say they are only considering rent-controlled units for their next move.
- 41% are unsure whether rent control is an important factor in their search.
- 29% have used AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini to assist with their apartment search.
- 67% of renters would pay more for a unit with in-suite laundry, making it the most sought-after amenity.
The survey also found that affordability concerns extend across income levels. While renters with lower budgets overwhelmingly identified rent prices as their primary challenge, higher-budget renters were more likely to report difficulties finding suitable units or enough available inventory.
Meanwhile, AI is emerging as a new tool in the apartment search process. Nearly one-third of renters reported using AI tools to compare prices, understand lease terms, research neighbourhoods, and communicate with landlords. Adoption was highest among renters aged 25 to 34 and among those entering the rental market for the first time.
For more information and rental market data, read the full report on Rentals.ca, or reach out to media@rentals.ca.
The Rentals.ca Spring Renter Preference collected responses from 1,194 renters across Canada in Spring 2026. Respondents were asked about their current rental search, housing preferences, household composition, income, budget, and attitudes toward the rental market. The survey was distributed nationally with the strongest representation from Toronto/GTA, Ontario outside the GTA, Vancouver/BC, Winnipeg/Manitoba, and Calgary/Alberta.