What to know
- High rent prices remain the biggest issue, with 70 per cent of Canadian renters saying affordability is their top challenge when searching for a place to live.
- Many renters are looking to move because of cost, with 40 per cent saying they are planning to relocate mainly to find a more affordable rental.
- Budgets are not matching market prices, as 42 per cent of renters said they have a monthly budget below $1,500, while average asking rents in Canada are above $2,000.
- Renters are also using new tools to search, with nearly one-third saying they have used AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini to compare prices, understand leases or research neighbourhoods.
Renters across Canada are continuing to feel the pressure of high housing costs, with a new survey showing affordability remains the biggest challenge for people looking for a place to live.
According to Rentals.ca’s Spring 2026 Renter Preference Survey, 70 per cent of Canadian renters say high rent prices are the biggest obstacle in their housing search.
The survey gathered responses from 1,194 renters across the country, including Toronto, and found that affordability continues to outweigh other concerns by a wide margin.
Unsuitable listings were cited by 11 per cent of respondents, while low rental supply was named by six per cent. Many renters are also looking to move because of rising costs. 40 per cent of respondents said they are planning to relocate mainly to find a more affordable rental, making it the top reason for moving.
Meanwhile, 30 per cent said they want more space, while 22 per cent said they are moving for work or school.
The survey also points to a growing gap between renters’ budgets and current market prices. 42 per cent of respondents said they have a monthly rental budget below $1,500, while Rentals.ca says the average asking rent in Canada is currently above $2,000 per month.
Renters are also not expecting much relief soon. Only 25 per cent of respondents said they expect rents to decline over the next six months, while nearly half believe prices will either stay the same or increase.
Rent control is also factoring into renters’ decisions. 36 per cent of respondents said they are only considering rent-controlled units for their next move, while 41 per cent said they are unsure whether rent control is an important factor in their search.
The survey also found that renters are paying close attention to amenities. In-suite laundry was the most sought-after feature, with 67 per cent saying they would pay more for a unit that includes it.
Artificial intelligence is also becoming part of the apartment search process. Nearly one-third of renters said they have used AI tools such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini to help compare prices, understand lease terms, research neighbourhoods or communicate with landlords.
According to Rentals.ca, AI use was highest among renters aged 25 to 34 and those entering the rental market for the first time.
Still, the biggest takeaway from the survey is that for many renters, finding a place is not just about location, or even amenities; it is about whether they can afford it or not.
