GUEST SUBMISSION: Long-term renting is becoming the default housing option for many Canadians.

With constant shifts in life patterns, the cost of living and interest rates, renting remains a popular option. This trend indicates a change in preferences for multiresidential design, amenities and materials. 

From the perspective of operators managing rental communities, we’re seeing this change now more than ever. Not only have prospective residents changed what they value most, but a variety of areas are no longer the most practical.

Affordable housing and barriers to ownership are the primary factors driving Canadians to rent longer.

Over the past 10 years, Canada’s home ownership rate has declined steadily. The gap between income and homeownership costs leads many residents to opt for rental housing, as it’s the more affordable option in the short term.

Another major factor is that many are facing a housing supply lag. Supply takes years to deliver, whereas demand changes rapidly. Some regions deliver a broader range of housing options, whereas others aren’t actively being developed.

Buyer preference plays a huge role in shaping their perspective on the available options. 

What long-term renting means for communities 

Longer renting means less vacancy disruption. Although this is excellent news on the business side, this trade-off means there are fewer opportunities for upgrades that would otherwise take place during the vacancy window.

Considering this trend and designing spaces for ongoing resident experience are critical to maintaining resident satisfaction.

Longer-term renters assess value beyond just their unit. When shifting to this focus, there are a few key things these renters place a high value on:

• comfort, functionality, and reliability;
• maintenance communication with consistent standards;
• building condition and common spaces; and
• noise levels and available services;

Designing apartments for long-term renting

Designing for longevity in material choice and finishing strategy will help to support a longer-term renting experience.

Upfront spend for durability will ultimately lower lifecycle costs while improving resident satisfaction. Hard-wearing flooring, repairable surfaces, timeless palettes and stain-resistant materials will all help to support this trend we are seeing in Canadians.

When it comes to design, it needs to extend beyond aesthetics and support daily living needs.

Storage, counter space and practical layouts will help residents to make these long-term decisions. Poor storage availability or awkward kitchens can be inconvenient and may increase renewal risks.

Top amenities renters want in 2026 

Try to think outside the box when designing your amenity space to attract more tenants.

Amenity choice is a strategy to help differentiate the building and make it stand out from its competitors. Taking the time to design meaningful spaces that support practical, everyday needs will help prospective residents envision their lives in your building more clearly.

I have highlighted a few different trends we can support in amenity spaces:

• Working from home is not a temporary idea. Hybrid work is increasingly common, so creating quiet working areas, bookable workspaces, and even reliable building-wide connectivity can make a big difference for those seeking an apartment.
• High-utility options help to support the practicality component mentioned earlier. Efficient package management, bike storage and pet-friendly options are practical features that can outshine flashy ones.
• Fostering a community is a design consideration. Effective design in these spaces supports social interaction and pride amongst residents. Not only does this promote safety, but also resident retention.

These preferences are constantly changing, and post-pandemic we are seeing new amenities that may not have existed before.

Work-from-home spaces are a great example of this. During the pandemic, the value placed on this amenity would have been much higher because it was more relevant, but now that many workplaces are hybrid, it remains highly relevant even if applicable to a broader range of industries.

Long-term renting changes building design and operations

The trend of Canadians renting longer means the rental housing industry must pivot to support long-term living. Designing for durability, amenities that support everyday routines and planning for retention are not new or trendy ideas. It is essential they’re not treated as such.

The most successful rental communities are designed to support different types of living, but are ultimately willing to adapt.