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<\/p>\nA new rental report reveals how a growing number of renters across Canada and here in Vancouver are using AI to assist them.<\/p>\n
The report comes from Rentals.ca and is separate from the rental platform\u2019s monthly national rent report.<\/p>\n
The findings are in Rentals.ca\u2019s Spring 2026 Renter Preference Survey, based on responses from Canadians in major rental markets including Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary.<\/p>\n
Respondents agreed, unsurprisingly, that affordability and high rent prices are the single-largest challenge in their rental search.<\/p>\n
The survey looked at budgets across Canada, of which Vancouver renters have the highest. Rentals.ca said 35 per cent of Vancouver renters budget around $2,000 for their monthly rent, edging out second-place Toronto, where 33 per cent of renters are budgeting that much.<\/p>\n
How Vancouver renters are using AI assistance<\/p>\n
Rentals.ca calls AI an \u201cemerging tool\u201d in the rental landscape. Almost one-third of respondents said they\u2019re using AI to help in the rental search process. And most are finding success with it.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmong those who did, the experience was largely positive,\u201d said Rentals.ca<\/p>\n
A total of 29 per cent of respondents said they\u2019re using tools like ChatGPT or Gemini to source rentals. Among those, 73 per cent found it helpful, while 21 per cent found it unhelpful.<\/p>\n
The two main ways renters are using AI are to find listings or neighbourhoods, and also to compare prices. Some are using it for help in understanding lease terms or getting budget advice.<\/p>\n
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Rentals.ca<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just young renters (25 to 34) who are using it. While they\u2019re the most likely, some folks aged 65 and older are also using AI. While Toronto leads the pack when it comes to AI adoption (34 per cent), Vancouver is right behind at 27 per cent.<\/p>\n
Top priorities for renters<\/p>\n
Rentals.ca asked renters about amenities and incentives.<\/p>\n
One amenity was the single-most important for renters, by a landslide. Any guesses?<\/p>\n
In-suite laundry.\u00a0Almost 70 per cent of respondents chose laundry as their top priority.<\/p>\n
That was followed by air conditioning, private outdoor space, parking, and fitness facilities. Another priority for some respondents was 24-hour security.<\/p>\n
Growing AI opposition
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2026 concept of the 10-storey Telus AI data centre at 150 West Georgia St., Vancouver. (Westbank\/Telus)<\/p>\n
AI is becoming a growing controversy, including right here in Vancouver. Earlier this year, there was an announcement<\/a> that Vancouver was going to be the home for a new Telus AI data centre.<\/p>\n In response, opponents took part in a march late last month. Demonstrators will be taking part in another anti-AI march in Vancouver this Saturday<\/a>.<\/p>\n