How to know if your rent is fair
A simple, repeatable way to compare your rent against the local market before you sign a lease or accept a rent increase.
Step 1: Know your unit type
Most rent comparisons fail because people compare different things. A 1-bedroom is different from a junior 1-bedroom, which is different from a 1-bedroom plus den. A 2-bedroom basement unit is not the same as a 2-bedroom condo. Be precise about what you have or want.
Step 2: Compare to the neighbourhood, not the city
City-wide averages hide large variation. A 1-bedroom in one Ottawa neighbourhood can rent for $600 more than the same unit a few streets over. Always compare to the neighbourhood range for the same unit type.
Fair Rent Canada shows neighbourhood-level ranges for every area we cover, built from CMHC data, Rentals.ca market listings, and anonymous renter submissions.
Step 3: Account for what is included
A unit at the top of the range that includes heat, water, and parking can be a better deal than a unit at the middle of the range that bills everything separately. Add roughly $30 to $80 per month for utilities, and $100 to $250 for parking, depending on the city.
Step 4: Adjust for confidence
If a neighbourhood has lots of recent submissions, the range is tighter and more reliable. If it has very few, the range is wider and the estimate is less precise. Fair Rent Canada labels each estimate with a confidence level so you know how much weight to give it.
Run your number through the calculator
The fastest way to apply all four steps is to enter your details into the calculator. You get a fair range and a confidence level in under a minute.
Check if your rent is fair