Saskatchewan Has an Unregulated Rental Market—and Some of Canada’s Most Affordable Rents
DID YOU KNOW?
Saskatchewan does not cap the amount by which rents may increase. Yet Regina was ranked Canada’s most renter-friendly city by The Globe and Mail, based on affordability, rental housing availability and livability.
Regina and Saskatoon also have the lowest average asking rents among Canada’s 25 largest cities—$1,397 and $1,428 respectively.
Sources: The Globe and Mail, “Canada’s Most Renter-Friendly Cities”; Rentals.ca, National Rent Report.
WHY?
Affordable rents depend on having enough rental homes to meet demand. Saskatchewan’s market-based system encourages investment and allows supply to respond to changing housing needs.
Rent regulation may provide short-term protection for tenants who remain in capped units. However, restricting rental revenue can discourage new development and reinvestment—ultimately leaving future renters with fewer choices.
THE BETTER DIRECTION FOR NOVA SCOTIA
Allow Nova Scotia’s temporary rent cap to expire as scheduled at the end of 2027.
Encourage investment, increase rental supply and provide targeted assistance to tenants who need help.
More rental housing means more choice, greater competition and better affordability.