Renting This Week in Canada: Targeting Short-Term Rentals

Is a lack of charging stations in apartment buildings killing EV sales? Meanwhile, Canada continues to crack down on short-term rentals, and why are so many renters in 2024 spending 35 percent or more of their income on rent?

These are just some key rental issues resonating across Canadian cities as tenants, landlords, newcomers, and international students approach the Christmas Holiday Season.

Catch up on these rental trends and housing issues with our Renting This Week in Canada roundup:

With many newcomers and international students now spending 35 percent or more of their gross income on rent, this analysis from Mathieu Laberge, chief economist at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) puts what happened to rental prices and affordability during the pandemic into perspective.

Price and location are critical issues for Canadian renters - but they also want apps that enhance their rental experience, writes Renx.ca CEO Sarah Segal.

What apps would enhance your life as a renter?

Longtime Vancouver renter Sarah Anderson writes in the Daily Hive about her frustration with having no say in the city's Broadway corridor housing plan.

Regarding apartment and condo rentals in Canada, everyone wants more space, right?. That's one reason why two-bedroom rentals are a smart choice for newcomers.

Whistler B.C.'s rental market sounds like rental conditions in almost any Canadian city: “Prices are high and availability is low.” and scams abound. But hey, it's all about the skiing, right? Check out this story from Brandon Barrett in the Delta Optimist.

Winter driving in Canada: 7 tips to increase your safety

According to Jacques Poitras of CBC News, housing advocates in New Brunswick told MLAs that a rental cap bill is a good first step but needs strengthening to make it harder for landlords to get around the rules.

Canada is helping cities crack down on short-term rentals to create more long-term rental housing. Do short-term rentals contribute to the housing crisis? Canadians seem to think so.

Here's how newcomers to Canada can impress a landlord

Ottawa police are probing an alleged rental kickback scheme involving two city employees and several Ottawa landlords.

According to the Calgary Herald, Calgary - a popular destination for newcomers - is considering new rules and regulations for short-term rentals. These include a business license program and the suspension of licenses when rental vacancy rates fall below 2.5 percent.

As Jessica Gedge writes in money.ca, Ontario landlord Michael Portman has been waiting for rent payments for 16 months. Is the housing system failing landlords and tenants?

Winnipeg features more affordable rents for newcomers

Western Canada's mid-sized cities consistently offer the cheapest rents for newcomers, particularly in Saskatchewan and Alberta, a situation unlikely to change in the short term.

Tenants tell Solarina Ho that they feel "squeezed" by financialized landlords, who view housing as only a tool primarily for profit. This is a complex issue affecting Canadian renters and landlords.

Looking For A Rental Listing in Vancouver?

Is a lack of charging stations in Canada's high-rise rental buildings impairing tenants' access to EVs? Victoria Foote in Corporate Knights examines the issue of insufficient on-site charging.

Affordability and availabiliity remain critical issues for renters heading into 2025

Cassidy McMackon of Canadians Press writes that women’s advocates want Canadian governments to improve efforts to build housing for people escaping gender-based violence because too many women are forced to remain in unsafe situations after being abused.

The search for a rental apartment in Canada can seem sternal, but in Rome, it just might be in 2025. According to Reuters, apartment hunters across the Eternal City are worried about the long-term rental market in Rome drying up as landlords seek to cash in on short-term rentals for pilgrims during the 2025 Roman Catholic Holy Year. It's estimated that 32 million tourists will visit next year.

Finally, our latest monthly Housing Newsletter for Newcomers and International Students has news, tips, trends, and housing solutions. Also, here's our look at the Housing Market in Canada: Latest News for Newcomers.

*Rent prices were accurate when this article was published but may change over time.