Renters Survey Launched: ESPC to ask renters for views on Edmonton’s rental market affordability

The Edmonton Social Planning Council is launching a survey of Edmonton renters to determine whether their situation has improved or worsened in the past year.

Last May, two public forums co-sponsored by the ESPC and City Councillors Michael Phair and Dave Thiele attracted over 200 Edmonton renters.  “At the time, the issue of sky-high rents and low vacancy rates was top of mind for many Edmontonians.  Since then, the issue has faded from the headlines,” noted Anette Kinley, the Council’s Research and Communications Assistant.

“Housing prices are starting to decline from last summer’s highs, making buying a home somewhat more affordable,” Kinley observed, “but to what extent – if any – is this trend making life easier for renters?”

The Council decided to conduct this survey of Edmonton renters to find out.  The survey – which takes only a few minutes to complete – asks a series of questions including: whether the participants’ feel their rental situation has gotten better or worse, whether their rent has gone up and by how much, and whether the cost of their rent is putting a strain on their ability to meet their other basic needs.

Renters can fill out or download a copy of the survey online from the ESPC website: edmontonsocialplanning.ca. The ESPC will be delivering copies door-to-door in a selection of rental complexes around the City. 

Copies of the survey will also be available through community agencies and the Edmonton Public Library. The survey will run until May 31st, and all renters who complete it will be entered to win a $50 gift card from the grocery store of their choice.

A report on the survey results will be released in June, said Kinley.  “No personal information will be included in the report, only aggregated results,” she emphasized.

“The survey results will help determine what further actions the Edmonton Social Planning Council should undertake in support of Edmonton renters,” Kinley concluded.

Copies of the ESPC renters’ survey report and the ESPC position paper can be downloaded CLICK or online at www.edmontonsocialplanning.ca