Rents are falling, so why does it still feel so expensive?

Rents are falling, so why does it still feel so expensive?

From Stress Test by The Globe and Mail

March 18, 2026 · 23 min · Season 12 · Episode 2

About this episode

The episode discusses the complexities of falling rents in Canada despite rising vacancy rates and incentives from landlords.

Renters in Canada are finally catching a break. In Canada’s biggest cities, rents have been falling for more than a year and vacancy rates are rising. Some landlords are even offering incentives like free months of rent and move-in bonuses to attract tenants. But the reality on the ground is more complicated.

Topics covered

  • rent
  • housing market
  • vacancy rates
  • landlords
  • tenants
  • economic conditions

Keywords

  • rents
  • Canada
  • vacancy rates
  • landlords
  • tenants
  • housing market
  • incentives

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Canada, Canada’s biggest cities

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