The Most Affordable Rentals Remain the Tightest
Canada’s rental market is beginning to ease, but CMHC reports that lower-rent segments remain especially tight. The benefits of new supply are not reaching every renter equally or immediately.
WHY?
New rental homes are often more expensive because they must cover current land, construction and financing costs.
Over time, additional supply creates movement throughout the market, but households facing an immediate affordability crisis need help now. A broad rent cap is not targeted to income and cannot distinguish between households that need assistance and those that do not.
SUPPORTING STORY CMHC—Canada’s Rental Market Is Balancing, but Not for Everyone
THE BETTER DIRECTION FOR NOVA SCOTIA
Pair a supply strategy with targeted, portable assistance for lower-income renters.
Protect the homes that are already comparatively affordable, encourage their renewal and maintenance, and direct public support to households facing the greatest housing-cost burden.