ABSTRACT
This paper reviews trends in the size and nature of private sector rental housing in Montréal, Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver census metropolitan areas. The focus is on macro-social and economic issues affecting the supply of new stock, the quality of the existing rental stock, and the socio-economic status of tenants in the private rental sector (PRS). It houses about 28% of Canada’s households. In all, 40% of Canada’s renters live in the four largest metropolitan areas. What are the prospects for the PRS to provide adequate and affordable housing and contribute to a more inclusive housing system?
