How to Find Cheap House for Renter Near You

Why Canadian Renters Are Struggling: Strategies to Find Affordable Housing

Renting in Canada is becoming increasingly difficult, with rising prices and shrinking availability in many markets. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the average cost of a two-bedroom apartment in Canada reached $1,359 in 2024, a 7.3% increase from the previous year. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, rents for two-bedroom units regularly surpass $2,500. This makes it harder for renters to find affordable housing, especially in Canada's largest urban centers.

But there's good news: even in the midst of this rental crisis, there are still strategies you can use to find affordable rentals. From exploring less obvious platforms to searching at the right time, renters can use a range of tools and tips to navigate this challenging market.

The Rental Crisis in Canada: A Quick Overview

Canada's rental market has been severely impacted by a combination of factors: high population growth, slow housing development, and a drastic shortage in rental supply. As a result, vacancy rates have plummeted to a 20-year low, hovering around just 1.5%. This has led to fierce competition for available rental units. More renters are vying for fewer places, and prices continue to climb as a result.

However, despite these tough conditions, it’s important to recognize that opportunities still exist. With the right approach, renters can find underpriced homes, especially if they look beyond the typical high-demand areas and the major listing platforms.

Go Beyond the Big Rental Platforms

When most people start their search for rental housing, they typically turn to popular listing sites like Rentals.ca, Zumper, and PadMapper. While these sites offer a wide variety of options, they often prioritize premium listings and can overlook rental opportunities from private landlords, student housing, or cooperative units.

For a more localized search, try platforms like Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, and university housing boards. These often feature hidden gems—especially in cities like Edmonton, Ottawa, Halifax, and Winnipeg—that are not listed on the more mainstream platforms. These sites may list rentals directly from landlords, who are often more flexible with pricing and lease terms.

In Montreal, for example, many long-term rental listings are still posted in French on local community platforms or as physical notices in local cafés or dépanneurs. By expanding your search to these community-based resources, you may find a three-bedroom apartment in areas like Verdun or Côte-des-Neiges for $1,200 to $1,500, a far cry from the soaring prices in other parts of the city.

Time Your Search for Better Deals

Like any market, rental demand in Canada follows seasonal trends. According to Rentals.ca, the period between May and August sees the highest rental demand, driven by job relocations, school transitions, and summer moves. This period also sees inflated rental prices due to the influx of people searching for homes.

If you're looking to get the best deal, timing is key. The months between November and February are typically quieter, as fewer people are moving. During this time, landlords are more likely to lower rent prices or even offer move-in bonuses to fill vacant units quickly. In fact, Winnipeg saw a 6.2% drop in average rent from December to February compared to the peak summer months in 2023, according to CMHC data.

Compare Neighbourhood Rent Trends

Rent prices can vary significantly depending on which part of a city you're looking in. For instance, in Ottawa, the rent for a two-bedroom apartment can be drastically different from one neighbourhood to another. The CMHC’s Housing Market Information Portal can help you compare rental prices by area, so you can make more informed decisions about where to search.

Here’s an example of the average monthly rent for two-bedroom homes in various Ottawa neighbourhoods:

Key Takeaway: Even in expensive markets, affordable options are still available within a short commute to downtown. By using tools like CMHC’s portal, you can find these hidden gems and avoid paying the premium for properties located in high-demand areas.

Look for Off-Market or “Hidden” Rentals

Not all landlords list their properties on major rental platforms. Some prefer to manage their rentals quietly through word-of-mouth or physical signage. In fact, many landlords who own only one or two properties opt out of the online rental game altogether.

In cities like Hamilton, Calgary, or Surrey, you’ll find that “mom-and-pop” landlords still own a significant share of single-family homes for rent. These landlords are less likely to advertise online and may rely on local bulletin boards, community centers, or even shop windows to post rental listings.

If you're searching for these types of rentals, take a walk through older, desirable neighbourhoods—especially in areas with high immigrant populations or neighborhoods where longtime homeowners live. These often have rental listings that are not available through digital platforms.

Direct Communication Pays Off

Once you find a potential rental, reaching out directly to the landlord can give you an edge over other potential tenants. Personal communication demonstrates your seriousness and responsibility as a renter. In some cases, landlords may even be open to negotiating the rent if they feel confident in your ability to pay and take care of the property.

When contacting landlords, try sending a concise, polite email introducing yourself and explaining why you're a great fit for the unit. Include information about your employment, rental history, and income. If you can, attach a credit report or reference letter from a previous landlord. The more transparent and professional your communication, the better your chances of securing the rental.

Some tenants go one step further and create a rental resume—a one-page summary of who they are, their housing needs, and their rental history. This professional touch can set you apart from other applicants.

Factor in All Monthly Costs

It's easy to focus solely on base rent, but remember that additional costs can add up quickly. Some cheaper rentals in Canada come with hidden monthly expenses that can significantly increase the total cost of living. Common additional costs include:

•Hydro (electricity)

•Heating (natural gas or electric baseboards)

•Internet and phone

•Water or waste fees (especially common in houses or rural areas)

•Transportation (especially if you’re far from public transit)

•For instance, a $1,100 house rental in St. Catharines might come with an extra $300/month in utilities, while a $1,300 condo in downtown Hamilton might include all utilities in the rent.

•Also, don’t forget about winter maintenance. If you're renting a house, you may be responsible for snow removal, which can add additional costs during the colder months.

Beware of Rental Scams

In tight rental markets, scammers are always on the lookout to take advantage of desperate renters. If a listing seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be on the lookout for the following red flags:

•Requests for payment before seeing the unit

•Unusually low rent for the area

•No lease or written agreement

•Communication only through email or WhatsApp

•In 2023, over 1,300 rental scams were reported in Canada, with victims losing over $1.8 million, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Always meet the landlord in person, and never pay using untraceable methods like wire transfers or gift cards.

Consider Co-Living or Shared Rentals

If renting alone is too expensive, consider shared housing or co-living arrangements. By splitting the cost of rent with others, you can access more desirable areas at a much lower price. For example, a three-bedroom bungalow in Saskatoon might rent for $1,800, but if you share it with two roommates, your rent could be as low as $600 per person.

Websites like Roomies.ca, Roomster, and Kijiji Shared Housing are great resources for finding roommates or shared living opportunities. While shared housing is often associated with students in cities like Waterloo and Kingston, more and more professionals in cities like Toronto and Vancouver are embracing this option to reduce living costs and access better neighbourhoods.

Look into Cooperative Housing or Non-Profit Options

Another affordable housing option to explore is co-operative housing or non-profit housing. In co-op housing, residents collectively manage the property and are responsible for maintaining the building. This model often results in significantly lower rents compared to the private market—sometimes 25-40% cheaper for the same location.

Co-op housing usually has a long waiting list, but it can be a great option for those willing to be patient. Search for local co-op housing directories through organizations like the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada).

Conclusion: Affordable Rentals Are Possible in Canada

Finding an affordable rental in Canada may seem like an impossible task, but with the right strategies, it’s certainly achievable. By broadening your search to local platforms, timing your search well, and exploring less traditional options like co-living and cooperative housing, you can unlock better deals even in high-demand areas. Stay vigilant for scams, factor in all additional costs, and communicate directly with landlords to give yourself the best chance at securing a rental. The Canadian rental market is tough, but with the right tools and knowledge, affordable housing is still within reach.

References

Rentals.ca. (2024). National Rent Report – April 2024. https://rentals.ca/national-rent-report

Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. (2024). Fraud Statistics 2023. https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/statistics-en-statistiques.html

Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. (2024). Find Co-op Housing. https://chfcanada.coop/find-co-op-housing/