Frequently asked questions
Common questions about how FairRent Canada works, what the data means, and what the results can and cannot tell you.
Is FairRent Canada free?
Yes. The rent check, the rent map, and the submission tool are all free for renters. There is no signup, no paywall, and no premium tier.
Do I need to sign up?
No. There is no account, no password, and no profile. You can check your rent, view the rent map, and submit your rent anonymously without giving us any contact information.
Is my rent submission anonymous?
Yes. We do not collect your name, email address, phone number, home address, or IP address. We store only your neighbourhood, unit type, monthly rent, move-in year, city, and whether parking or utilities are included. There is no way to trace a submission back to a specific person.
Will my exact rent or address be public?
No. We never display individual rent submissions publicly. We only show grouped data: ranges, medians, and confidence labels by neighbourhood and unit type.
What data does FairRent Canada use?
Three sources. First, public CMHC Rental Market Survey data, which covers purpose-built rental buildings and is published annually. Second, Rentals.ca market listing data, which reflects current asking rents. Third, anonymous renter submissions. Each source has strengths and limits, so we present results as benchmarks, not perfect appraisals.
Is Rentals.ca an official partner?
No. FairRent Canada uses Rentals.ca market listing data as one source of market context. This does not mean Rentals.ca has endorsed, sponsored, or partnered with FairRent. We reference Rentals.ca by name only to be transparent about where our market context data comes from.
How accurate are the results?
Results are benchmarks, not precise appraisals. We show a range with a confidence label that reflects how many recent local submissions back the estimate. In neighbourhoods with many submissions, the range is tighter. In areas with fewer submissions, the range is wider and we say so.
Why should I submit my rent?
Because the data only gets better when more renters contribute. Your submission improves the neighbourhood benchmark that the next renter will see. Submission takes about a minute and stays anonymous.
What cities are supported?
Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver, with full neighbourhood-level breakdowns. We are early-stage and plan to add Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, Waterloo, and Kingston as more renters in those cities contribute submissions. If you want a city added, contact us.
Why is my result a range and not one number?
Because a single number would be misleading. Rents for comparable units in the same neighbourhood vary by hundreds of dollars depending on building age, condition, finishes, and amenities. A range honestly reflects that variation.
Does the tool account for rent control?
Yes, for Ontario units first occupied before November 15, 2018, and for all BC tenancies. When applicable, the result includes an estimated legal maximum based on provincial guideline rates back to your move-in year. These calculations are estimates only and should not be used as legal determinations.
Is this legal or financial advice?
No. FairRent Canada provides market estimates for information only. Results are not professional appraisals, legal opinions, or official determinations. For rent disputes or formal proceedings, consult a licensed paralegal or your provincial tenant rights organization.
How do I contact FairRent Canada?
Email samuel@fairrent.ca. We aim to respond within two to four business days. You can also reach us about data corrections, methodology questions, press inquiries, or privacy and deletion requests.