Insight
Why Rental Vacancy Rates Matter
The vacancy rate is the share of purpose-built rental units that are empty and available on the survey date in October.
Updated 2026-11-12
- Saint John: 1.50%
- St. John's: 1.60%
- Kingston: 2.30%
- Halifax: 2.50%
- Sherbrooke: 2.50%
- Québec City: 2.60%
- Regina: 2.70%
- Trois-Rivières: 2.70%
- Peterborough: 2.70%
- Winnipeg: 2.80%
Why it matters
With few vacant units, renters compete for each one and landlords can raise rents on turnover. Higher vacancy usually means more choice and slower rent growth.
Rents alongside vacancy
| Metro | Value |
|---|---|
| Vancouver B.C. | $2,364 |
| Victoria B.C. | $2,121 |
| Kelowna B.C. | $2,098 |
| Toronto Ont. | $2,045 |
| Calgary Alta. | $1,908 |
| Nanaimo B.C. | $1,895 |
| Halifax N.S. | $1,828 |
| Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo Ont. | $1,816 |
| Kingston Ont. | $1,763 |
| Oshawa Ont. | $1,762 |
Limits of the measure
The survey covers purpose-built rental buildings with three or more units (vacancy: apartments in buildings of six or more units). Condos and basement apartments rented by individuals aren't included.
Sources
Informational only, not financial advice. Data as of the release snapshot generated 2026-11-12.