Pandemic forcing many Canadians to search for more affordable housing

 

Has the pandemic caused you to rethink your living situation? If the answer is 'yes,' you're not alone.

A survey from Rentals.ca has found that half of respondents believe they will need to start looking for a cheaper place to live due to the pandemic.

According to the findings, many respondents said they are planning on moving after the pandemic--only 20 per cent said they intend to stay where they're currently living.

Additionally, 30 per cent said they have not decided if they will be moving once the pandemic ends.

Further, 20 per cent believe they need to find a more affordable place to live. However, they are unsure about where to look due to the uncertainty of their employment.

“There was a significant increase in website traffic on Rentals.ca in May,” Matt Danison, CEO of Rentals.ca, said in a news release.

“It appears prospective tenants are doing their research to move or at least to prepare for a move in the near future," he continued.

Of those planning on finding a new place to live, 43 per cent said they would only rent from property managers who offer safe cleaning practices to help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19--renters want to know they'll be living in a place that doesn't increase their risk of contracting the virus.