The best rental platforms should connect landlords and tenants, offering listings for apartments, houses, and condos. They simplify the rental process with features like search filters, virtual tours, and secure applications.

The best rental platforms in London:

• 1) liv.rent: A trusted platform offering verified listings and secure rental applications.
• 2) Apartments.com: A popular site featuring a range of rental options, including apartments, condos, and houses.
• 3) Zumper: A user-friendly site with customizable search filters for finding apartments, houses, and condos.
• 4) Rentals.ca: A comprehensive platform listing apartments, condos, and houses for rent in London.
• 5) Kijiji: A classified ads platform with listings for apartments and houses, including options for direct landlord communication.
• 6) PadMapper: A map-based rental search tool that makes it easy to find rentals by location.
• 7) Facebook Marketplace: A community-based platform where you can find local rental listings directly from landlords or tenants.

For a full in-depth comparison, continue reading below.

Introduction

Finding an apartment in London, Ontario, can feel overwhelming with so many rental platforms to choose from. The right website can make all the difference in connecting you with quality listings, streamlining the application process, and ensuring a secure rental experience. But not all platforms are created equal. Some offer advanced search tools and verified listings, while others provide helpful resources to guide you through the rental market. To help you navigate your options, liv.rent has rounded up the top websites for finding an apartment in London, making your search faster, easier, and more reliable.

How to find apartments for rent in London

Apartment hunting in London has never been more accessible, but with endless rental websites at your fingertips, knowing where to start can be a challenge. While online platforms have made it easier to browse listings, not all sites offer the same level of reliability, security, or useful features. Some prioritize verified listings, others offer advanced search tools, and a few go the extra mile with tenant resources and seamless application processes. To cut through the noise, we’ve put together a list of the top rental websites in London, helping you find a place quickly and with confidence.

Beyond just finding a listing, a great rental website should also simplify the process from comparing prices and neighborhoods to submitting applications and securing a lease. The best platforms offer transparency, up-to-date availability, and tools that help both renters and landlords connect efficiently. Whether you’re searching for a short-term rental, a student-friendly option, or a long-term home, the right platform can make all the difference in your experience.

1. liv.rent

liv.rent is an all-in-one rental platform that puts a focus on safety and security. The platform is uniquely focused on providing a safe and streamlined experience for renters and landlords, verifying both profiles and listings to protect its users. As you can see, liv.rent unsurprisingly scores a perfect 10/10 and has a variety of features for every stage of the rental process – for both landlords & renters.

Renters

On liv.rent, tenants can easily search through verified listings using a variety of filters and even a map view, then quickly message landlords for more information using built-in instant chat. From there, they can submit applications, book viewings and even sign digital contracts directly through the online platform.

Landlords

For landlords, liv.rent provides pre-filled listing templates to help you create attractive, effective listing pages, including a newly added Smart Description feature which uses AI to write an engaging listing description for you, plus tools to allow for sharing to other platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Simply put, liv.rent is the best website to post a rental property for landlords.

2. Apartments.com

For both renters and landlords, Apartments.com has a lot of the basics you need to rent a place in London. Available in major cities across Canada, this popular platform has attractive listings including some verified posts from known rental management groups, giving renters a safe and easy option for their next rental search.

Renters

Renters will find plenty of listings in London on Apartments.com and can find a clear breakdown of the included features and amenities for each unit. The map view makes searching for listings easy and it’s fairly simple to inquire & apply to properties you’re interested in, though the site doesn’t have built-in chat features so you’ll need to get in touch with landlords through email or phone.

Landlords

Landlords will find an assortment of marketing and organizational tools to help get their listing faster, and Apartments.com also allows for tenant screening and rent collection directly within the platform for an all-in-one experience. Posting and managing listings is simple, however, the popular platform does lack a built-in sharing feature as well as instant chat with tenants.

3. Zumper

Similar to liv.rent, Zumper is another all-in-one rental platform that’s popular with renters and landlords in London. On top of a user-friendly layout, Zumper has features to help landlords and tenants streamline every stage of the rental process, including tenant screening and rent payment & collection.

Renters

For renters, Zumper is a convenient way to browse and apply for listings thanks to its straightforward layout. With that being said, the site does lack the comprehensive security and verification features that liv.rent has, though it does allow for the entire rental process to be completed within the site and there are some measures in place to prevent fake landlords and listings.

Landlords

Zumper has 9/10 features, including built-in sharing to other sites and a variety of tools to help you create and share listings. The only area where the site falters is in its security protocols, which aren’t as in-depth as other platforms. Overall, this platform’s wide range of features put it in contention for the best rental websites in London.

4. Rentals.ca

Rentals.ca is another popular place to find and rent apartments, houses and condos, and offers a user-friendly layout as well as excellent search capabilities and an interactive map.

Renters

Rentals.ca is a great option for renters primarily because of the number of listings available. Since it’s such a popular platform, there are plenty of rentals to choose from and the site makes it easy to navigate them thanks to a split-screen map/photo view and lots of different search filters.

Landlords

Rentals.ca allows landlords to post for free, and the site offers lots of ways to customize your listing and make it stand out, including a photo gallery and neighbourhood score. Because it’s a listing site, Rentals.ca doesn’t provide features for navigating the rental process beyond inquiries.

5. Kijiji

Kijiji is a marketplace site that has also become a popular place for landlords and renters to post and find rental listings. The platform offers a basic suite of listing features including plenty of fields and filters for filling out specific details and room for lots of photos.

Renters

Kijiji is a good basic option for browsing and applying for listings, though it lacks many features that renters may look for. The site does allow for messaging within the platform which makes for much easier communication. Unfortunately, Kijiji doesn’t have much in the way of security features and provides little protection against scams.

Landlords

For landlords, Kijiji is a perfectly suitable place to post your listings due to the site’s broad audience and high traffic, though that’s about all it offers. Unlike Craigslist, Kijiji does have a chat feature for easy communication, as well as a centralized inbox for easy lead management.

6. PadMapper

PadMapper is another popular rental website in London due to its convenient map view for efficient browsing, as well as a variety of built-in search filters. The site is fairly streamlined in terms of appearance and features but works quite well and is simple to use for what it does.

Renters

PadMapper lets renters browse with ease thanks to an interactive map and various filters. As far as communications, PadMapper allows tenants to send messages with their phone number and email address to get in touch with landlords. The platform doesn’t mention any specific security or verification processes, though it does require a precise address to post a listing.

Landlords

PadMapper is a simple, effective way for landlords to get their listings posted quickly, though the site doesn’t offer support for much beyond inquiries. The site’s map view is extremely easy to navigate though, a feature which tenants still gravitate towards.

7. Facebook Marketplace/Groups

Facebook groups and marketplace are great ways to find places to rent in London. Though renters and landlords should exercise caution when using the platform due to the potential for fraudulent posts and users, there are plenty of local, moderated groups that allow for easy browsing and the ability to get in touch over Facebook Messenger.

Renters

Facebook has become a great option for renters to browse apartments thanks to the volume of posts, though this is also its greatest downfall. Because Facebook has never claimed to be a rental platform, the site has few checks in place for screening out scams, although many moderated groups provide a safer alternative.

Landlords

Landlords looking to reach a broad audience would do well to post their listings on Facebook due to the large number of renters browsing the platform. Though it doesn’t provide many additional features, it’s easy to get your listing posted and communicate through the built-in Messenger app.

What renters should look for in a rental website

When choosing where to look for a place to rent, renters should take into account the following factors:

• Verified landlords & listings – Rental scams are a growing concern, making it crucial to differentiate genuine listings from fraudulent ones designed to exploit unsuspecting renters. The best way to stay protected is by using a platform that employs rigorous, multi-step verification protocols to screen both listings and landlords, ensuring a safer rental experience.
• Customizable search filters – Scrolling through endless listings can be overwhelming without the right tools. A good rental website should offer customizable filters that let you narrow down your options based on key factors like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, pet policies, lease terms, and included amenities—helping you find the perfect place faster.
• Security features – From submitting applications to sharing financial details, renting often requires providing sensitive personal information. To protect your data, look for platforms with strong privacy policies and secure handling of user information, ensuring your details are never misused or sold to third parties.

What landlords should look for in a rental website

• Tenant screening features – Choosing the right tenants is crucial to protecting your rental property and avoiding costly issues like missed payments or damages. A robust screening tool like Trust Score, goes beyond basic credit checks to provide a full picture of a tenant’s reliability, helping landlords make informed decisions with confidence.
• All-in-one tools – Managing a rental property involves more than just listing a unit. The best platforms streamline the entire process, from marketing and tenant communication to lease signing and rent collection—all in one place. With an efficient, all-in-one system, landlords can save time while keeping everything organized.
• Flexible pricing plans – Some rental platforms charge listing fees or ongoing service percentages, which can add up over time. For landlords looking to maximize their profits, choosing a platform with free listings and pay-as-you-go features provides greater control over costs while still offering essential tools when needed.

Renters: what is the best website to find apartments for rent in London?

With rental scams becoming more common, it’s more important than ever for renters to choose a secure and reliable platform when searching for an apartment in London. This is especially crucial for first-time renters, students, or those moving from abroad, where limited in-person interactions can make it harder to spot fraudulent listings. liv.rent helps eliminate these risks by verifying landlords and tenants, fostering a safer and more trustworthy rental experience.

Beyond security, liv.rent is designed to make apartment hunting seamless. With features like advanced search filters, instant listing alerts, and virtual video tours, finding the right rental is faster and more convenient. Plus, renters only need to complete their profile once, allowing them to apply to multiple listings with just a few clicks—saving time and effort.

Watch the video below for a step-by-step tutorial on getting started searching for listings on liv.rent.

Landlords: where should you post apartments for rent in London?

As a landlord, your top priority is maintaining a profitable rental business while safeguarding your property from problem tenants who may cause damage, miss payments, or create other costly issues. While many landlords are familiar with platforms like Craigslist, the rental landscape has shifted toward more streamlined, all-in-one solutions that make renting in London simpler and safer.

For those unsure where to list their rental, liv.rent is a standout option. This platform offers a wide array of features designed to make property management easier, with flexible pricing plans to suit both landlords and property managers. With free unlimited listings and access to most of its time-saving tools, liv.rent is a superior choice for efficient, worry-free renting.

If you’re searching for an easier way to list and manage your rentals, be sure to sign up for liv.rent today.

FAQ: The best rental websites in London

Is London a cheap place to live?

Renting in London can be relatively expensive but still much cheaper than other Canadian cities, with prices varying based on the neighbourhood and property type, as well as the time of year. Prices fluctuate all the time, so it’s always best to check the latest data to get a sense of how much you’ll be paying.

What is the best apartment rental website to rent in London?

liv.rent is the best option for London renters on safety, security, convenience and many other catagories. Compared to the other platforms listed here, liv.rent is the only rental website in London with a full 10/10 features as well as industry-leading verification processes.

Who makes the best tenants?

The best tenants are typically understood to be reliable, responsible individuals who pay rent on time, take care of the property and communicate promptly about any issues.

Where do most landlords post rentals in London?

Most landlords in London, Ontario, list their rentals on platforms that offer security and efficiency. liv.rent is a top choice, providing verified listings, tenant screening, and digital lease signing—all in one place. It’s a trusted option for both landlords and renters seeking a seamless rental experience.

What site has the most rentals?

In terms of volume, sites like Zillow, Zumper, and Craigslist are among the most popular options for rental listings in London.

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market.

>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.

The post The Top 7 Apartment Rental Websites In London Ontario appeared first on liv.rent blog.

How to find apartments for rent in Edmonton

The general process for finding apartments or houses for rent in Edmonton isn’t much different from elsewhere in Canada, but we’ve made a guide to ensure you have everything you need. While some renters may still prefer to canvas the neighbourhoods they’re interested in in person, keeping an eye out for vacancy signs, most renters will take advantage of technology to browse listings. Modern landlords also know that renters are increasingly searching online. As a result, you’ll find that almost every available property in your area is listed online for renters to inquire about and arrange viewings.

One of the biggest challenges renters face is determining which rental website will be the most effective for finding apartments in Edmonton. With not all platforms being equal, your choice can significantly affect how much time and money you spend, as well as the level of safety and security you experience during your search.

To help simplify your decision, we’ve broken down some of the best and most popular rental websites in Edmonton to give you a better sense of where you should begin your search for a new place.

1. liv.rent

liv.rent is a Vancouver-based all-in-one rental platform that puts a focus on safety and security. The platform is uniquely focused on providing a safe and streamlined experience for renters and landlords, verifying both profiles and listings to protect its users. As you can see, liv.rent unsurprisingly scores a perfect 10/10 and has a variety of features for every stage of the rental process – for both landlords & renters.

Renters

On liv.rent, tenants can easily search through verified listings using a variety of filters and even a map view, then quickly message landlords for more information using built-in instant chat. From there, they can submit applications, book viewings and even sign digital contracts directly through the online platform.

Landlords

For landlords, liv.rent provides pre-filled listing templates to help you create attractive, effective listing pages, including a newly added Smart Description feature which uses AI to write an engaging listing description for you, plus tools to allow for sharing to other platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace. Simply put, liv.rent is the best website to post a rental property for landlords.

2. Apartments.com

For both renters and landlords, Apartments.com has a lot of the basics you need to rent a place in Edmonton. Available in major cities across Canada, this popular platform has attractive listings including some verified posts from known rental management groups, giving renters a safe and easy option for their next rental search.

Renters

Renters will find plenty of listings in Edmonton on Apartments.com and can find a clear breakdown of the included features and amenities for each unit. The map view makes searching for listings easy and it’s fairly simple to inquire & apply to properties you’re interested in, though the site doesn’t have built-in chat features so you’ll need to get in touch with landlords through email or phone.

Landlords

Landlords will find an assortment of marketing and organizational tools to help get their listing faster, and Apartments.com also allows for tenant screening and rent collection directly within the platform for an all-in-one experience. Posting and managing listings is simple, however, the popular platform does lack a built-in sharing feature as well as instant chat with tenants.

3. Zumper

Similar to liv.rent, Zumper is another all-in-one rental platform that’s popular with renters and landlords in Edmonton. On top of a user-friendly layout, Zumper has features to help landlords and tenants streamline every stage of the rental process, including tenant screening and rent payment & collection.

Renters

For renters, Zumper is a convenient way to browse and apply for listings thanks to its straightforward layout. With that being said, the site does lack the comprehensive security and verification features that liv.rent has, though it does allow for the entire rental process to be completed within the site and there are some measures in place to prevent fake landlords and listings.

Landlords

Zumper has 9/10 features, including built-in sharing to other sites and a variety of tools to help you create and share listings. The only area where the site falters is in its security protocols, which aren’t as in-depth as other platforms. Overall, this platform’s wide range of features put it in contention for the best rental websites in Edmonton.

4. Zillow

Zillow is primarily a platform for buying and selling real estate, but the site is also a popular place for renters & landlords, especially in metropolitan areas of Canada. The platform has a variety of tools to simplify the lives of both landlords and renters, although it’s three features shy of a perfect 10/10.

Renters

Zillow is fairly easy to browse thanks to a handy map view and a simple, easy-to-navigate layout. Renters can also request to book showings/submit applications directly from the listing page using pre-set forms. It’s also handy to be able to see exactly when listings were posted front and center to save time applying to outdated posts.

Landlords

Zillow offers a robust set of features for creating visually appealing listings, including ample space for photos and 3D tours. Each listing comes with a convenient neighbourhood map and an FAQ section that provides detailed property and location insights. For rental management, Zillow provides handy tools like rent payment processing and digital contracts, although it falls short on certain marketing and organizational features.

5. RentFaster

RentFaster is a Calgary-based rental platform designed to connect landlords and tenants across Canada. Known for its user-friendly interface, RentFaster allows property owners to list rentals efficiently while providing renters with a wide selection of properties to search through.

Renters

RentFaster offers renters a user-friendly search experience with customizable filters for price, location, and property type. The interactive map feature allows users to explore different neighbourhoods and find rentals tailored to their needs. Renters can easily message landlords to inquire about listings or schedule viewings. Once they find the right place, they can submit applications and manage all communications seamlessly through the platform.

Landlords

For landlords, RentFaster offers an intuitive and efficient way to create rental listings using detailed templates that showcase properties with key features and high-quality images. The platform allows landlords to easily promote their listings through enhanced options like featured ads, increasing visibility to potential tenants.

6. Rentals.ca

Rentals.ca is another popular place to find and rent apartments, houses and condos, and offers a user-friendly layout as well as excellent search capabilities and an interactive map.

Renters

Rentals.ca is a great option for renters primarily because of the number of listings available. Since it’s such a popular platform, there are plenty of rentals to choose from and the site makes it easy to navigate them thanks to a split-screen map/photo view and lots of different search filters.

Landlords

Rentals.ca allows landlords to post for free, and the site offers lots of ways to customize your listing and make it stand out, including a photo gallery and neighbourhood score. Because it’s a listing site, Rentals.ca doesn’t provide features for navigating the rental process beyond inquiries.

7. Kijiji

Kijiji is a marketplace site that has also become a popular place for landlords and renters to post and find rental listings. The platform offers a basic suite of listing features including plenty of fields and filters for filling out specific details and room for lots of photos.

Renters

Kijiji is a good basic option for browsing and applying for listings, though it lacks many features that renters may look for. The site does allow for messaging within the platform which makes for much easier communication. Unfortunately, Kijiji doesn’t have much in the way of security features and provides little protection against scams.

Landlords

For landlords, Kijiji is a perfectly suitable place to post your listings due to the site’s broad audience and high traffic, though that’s about all it offers. Unlike Craigslist, Kijiji does have a chat feature for easy communication, as well as a centralized inbox for easy lead management.

8. PadMapper

PadMapper is another popular rental website in Edmonton due to its convenient map view for efficient browsing, as well as a variety of built-in search filters. The site is fairly streamlined in terms of appearance and features but works quite well and is simple to use for what it does.

Renters

PadMapper lets renters browse with ease thanks to an interactive map and various filters. As far as communications, PadMapper allows tenants to send messages with their phone number and email address to get in touch with landlords. The platform doesn’t mention any specific security or verification processes, though it does require a precise address to post a listing.

Landlords

PadMapper is a simple, effective way for landlords to get their listings posted quickly, though the site doesn’t offer support for much beyond inquiries. The site’s map view is extremely easy to navigate though, a feature which tenants still gravitate towards.

9. Facebook Marketplace/Groups

Facebook groups and marketplace are great ways to find places to rent in Edmonton. Though renters and landlords should exercise caution when using the platform due to the potential for fraudulent posts and users, there are plenty of local, moderated groups that allow for easy browsing and the ability to get in touch over Facebook Messenger. For a safe, convenient Facebook Group, check out liv.rent’s own curated rental group, where we post and share apartments, houses and rooms for rent in Edmonton.

Renters

Facebook has become a great option for renters to browse apartments thanks to the volume of posts, though this is also its greatest downfall. Because Facebook has never claimed to be a rental platform, the site has few checks in place for screening out scams, although many moderated groups provide a safer alternative.

Landlords

Landlords looking to reach a broad audience would do well to post their listings on Facebook due to the large number of renters browsing the platform. Though it doesn’t provide many additional features, it’s easy to get your listing posted and communicate through the built-in Messenger app.

What renters should look for in a rental website

When choosing where to look for a place to rent, renters should take into account the following factors:

• Verified landlords & listings – Rental scams are a common sight in the current market, and it’s important for renters to be able to distinguish real listings from fake ones meant to swindle them out of their hard-earned money. The safest way to go about this is to choose a rental website with multi-layered, manual verification protocols that can reliably spot and block suspicious listings and user profiles.
• Customizable search filters – Looking for listings can be a lot of work without the right tools. To save you time in your search, opt for a rental website with lots of options for searching, such as number of bedrooms & bathrooms, pet policy, contract duration, and included amenities to streamline your quest for the perfect place.
• Security features – Renters are required to submit a variety of personal and financial information throughout the rental process, and it’s important that you’re sure where this information is going and how it’s being used. Ideally, choose a rental website with a clear privacy policy that won’t sell your data.

What landlords should look for in a rental website

• Tenant screening features – Protecting your property investment should be a priority for every landlord. The wrong tenants can cost you thousands of dollars in damages and missed rent payments, so it’s important to utilize a tenant screening tool like the Trust Score that goes beyond a credit check, giving you a complete picture of tenants’ reliability.
• All-in-one tools – Today’s landlords live busy lives, and deserve a rental website that can keep up, helping them save time at every stage of the rental process. While listing sites are great for sharing your listing to expand its reach, landlords can make their leaves easier with a platform that supports listing, leasing, and signing contracts & receiving rent payments in one place.
• Flexible pricing plans – Some rental websites in Edmonton charge a listing fee or a percentage charge for ongoing use of their services. Especially if you’re just getting started as a landlord, you’ll want to keep as much of your profits as possible with free listings and optional pay-per-use features to give you greater flexibility.

Renters: what is the best website to find apartments for rent in Edmonton?

With rental scams on the rise, renters searching for apartments in Edmonton need to prioritize safety and security when choosing a rental website. This is especially true for first-time renters, students, or those renting from abroad, where the lack of in-person interactions increases the risk of fraud. At liv.rent, we aim to protect renters from the stress and financial impact of scams by connecting verified landlords and tenants, creating a trusted rental community.

Beyond safety, liv.rent offers an intuitive and efficient user experience. With features like customizable search filters, listing alerts, and video tours, finding your ideal rental has never been easier. Plus, you only need to complete your profile once—allowing you to apply to multiple listings with just a few clicks.

Watch the video below for a step-by-step tutorial on getting started searching for listings on liv.rent.

Landlords: where should you post apartments for rent in Edmonton?

As a landlord, your top priority is maintaining a profitable rental business while safeguarding your property from problem tenants who may cause damage, miss payments, or create other costly issues. While many landlords are familiar with platforms like Craigslist, the rental landscape has shifted toward more streamlined, all-in-one solutions that make renting in Edmonton simpler and safer.

For those unsure where to list their rental, liv.rent is a standout option. This Vancouver-based platform offers a wide array of features designed to make property management easier, with flexible pricing plans to suit both landlords and property managers. With free unlimited listings and access to most of its time-saving tools, liv.rent is a superior choice for efficient, worry-free renting.

If you’re searching for an easier way to list and manage your rentals, be sure to sign up for liv.rent today.

FAQ: The best rental websites in Edmonton

Is it expensive to rent in Edmonton?

Renting in Edmonton can be relatively expensive but still much cheaper than other Canadian cities, with prices varying based on the neighbourhood and property type, as well as the time of year. Prices fluctuate all the time, so it’s always best to check the latest data to get a sense of how much you’ll be paying.

What is the best site to find apartments in Edmonton?

liv.rent is a Vancouver-based all-in-one rental platform that prides itself on safety, security, and convenience. Compared to the other platforms listed here, liv.rent is the only rental website in Edmonton with a full 10/10 features as well as industry-leading verification processes.

Is it hard to get an apartment in Edmonton?

Securing an apartment in Edmonton can often be competitive, the degree of competition varies depending on the time of year and what your needs and budget are. It’s essential to be prepared with the necessary documentation and act quickly when you find a suitable place.

Can you hire someone to find you an apartment in Edmonton?

Yes, there are services and real estate agents available in Edmonton that can assist in finding an apartment for you, but it’s essential to research and choose reputable professionals. For the most part, renters will be able to find a place to rent in Edmonton by taking advantage of rental websites like the ones listed here.

What site has the most rentals?

In terms of volume, sites like Zillow, Zumper, Westside Rentals, and Craigslist are among the most popular options for rental listings in Edmonton.

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market.

>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.

The post Top Rental Sites Edmonton appeared first on liv.rent blog.

What renters should look for in a rental website

When choosing where to look for a place to rent, renters should take into account the following factors:

• Verified landlords & listings – Rental scams are a common sight in the current market, and it’s important for renters to be able to distinguish real listings from fake ones meant to swindle them out of their hard-earned money. The safest way to go about this is to choose a rental platform with multi-layered, manual verification protocols that can reliably spot and block suspicious listings and user profiles.
• A variety of customizable search filters – Looking for listings can be a lot of work without the right tools. To save you time in your search, opt for a rental website with lots of options for searching, such as number of bedrooms & bathrooms, pet policy, contract duration, and included amenities to streamline your quest for the perfect place.
• Security features – Renters are required to submit a variety of personal and financial information throughout the rental process, and it’s important that you’re sure where this information is going and how it’s being used. Ideally, choose a rental platform with a clear privacy policy that won’t sell your data.

What landlords should look for in a rental website

• Tenant screening features – Protecting your property investment should be a priority for every landlord. The wrong tenants can cost you thousands of dollars in damages and missed rent payments, so it’s important to utilize a tenant screening tool like the Trust Score that goes beyond a credit check, giving you a complete picture of tenants’ reliability.
• All-in-one tools – Today’s landlords live busy lives, and deserve a rental platform that can keep up, helping them save time at every stage of the rental process. While listing sites are great for sharing your listing to in order to expand its reach, landlords can make their leaves easier with a platform that supports listing, leasing, and signing contracts & receiving rent payments in one place.
• Flexible pricing plans – Some Canadian rental platforms charge a listing fee or a percentage charge for ongoing use of their services. Especially if you’re just getting started as a landlord, you’ll want to keep as much of your profits as possible with free listings and optional pay-per-use features to give you greater flexibility.

How to find apartments for rent in Halifax

The general process for finding an apartment for rent doesn’t vary much across Canada, and Halifax is no exception. While it’s still possible to find a place by walking through a neighbourhood on foot, most Canadian renters today will conduct their housing search online. Likewise, modern landlords are aware that renters primarily search online and so know that renters are increasingly searching online, so you’ll find nearly every available property in your area listed online for you to submit inquiries and arrange viewings.

The main challenge facing renters is deciding which rental website will be the most beneficial in helping them find apartments for rent in Halifax. Which rental platform you choose can influence not just how much time and money you spend on the rental process, but also how safe & secure you are during your search.

To help simplify your decision, we’ve broken down some of the most popular websites for finding apartments for rent in Halifax to give you a better sense of where you should begin your search for the perfect place.

1. liv.rent

liv.rent is a Vancouver-based all-in-one rental platform available across Canada that allows landlords and tenants to rent safely and securely thanks to an extensive verification process and tools like the Trust Score tenant screening tools, available on a pay-per-use basis for Essentials users and included in the platform’s Growth and Business plans. As you can see, liv.rent unsurprisingly ticks all of our boxes, and has a variety of features for every stage of the rental process, for both landlords & renters.

Renters

On liv.rent, tenants can easily search for rentals using a variety of filters and even a map view, then quickly message landlords for more information using built-in instant chat. From there, they can submit applications, book viewings and when it comes time, sign lease agreements and pay rent and security deposits through a variety of methods including credit card, UnionPay and even Bitcoin.

Landlords

For landlords, liv.rent provides pre-filled listing templates to help you create attractive, effective listing pages, including a newly added Smart Description feature which uses AI To write an engaging listing description for you, plus tools to allow for sharing to other platforms like Craigslist and Kijiji. Simply put, liv.rent is the best website to post a rental property for landlords.

For quick and effective tenant screening, liv.rent has refined and added to their innovative Trust Score feature, which gives landlords a comprehensive picture of a tenant’s suitability including a credit summary, a detailed risk assessment, income & employment verification, and more. All in all, this complete platform is the best way to advertise and manage your apartments for rent in Halifax with a full range of listing, marketing, and tenant screening features.

For landlords looking to find the perfect tenants fast, liv.rent’s new Growth plan is here to make renting even easier. The Growth plan is effectively an all-in-one property management software package, with all the tools you’ll need to digitize and streamline your rental process from start to finish. For just $48/month, this comprehensive plan includes:

• Unlimited lease protection addendums
• 2 Trust Score reports with credit check per month
• Automated rental advertising (2 per month)
• Shared management tools for up to 3 users

…plus everything in our Essentials plan.

2. Zumper

Like liv.rent, Zumper is an all-in-one rental platform that’s popular among renters and landlords across Canada. On top of a user-friendly layout, Zumper has features to help landlords and tenants streamline every stage of the rental process, including tenant screening and rent payment & collection.

Renters

For renters, Zumper is a convenient way to browse and apply for listings thanks to its visually-appealing layout. With that being said, the site does lack the comprehensive security and verification features of other platforms like liv.rent, though it does allow for the entire rental process to be completed within the site and there are some measures in place to prevent against fake landlords and listings.

Landlords

Zumper also has a full 12/12 features, including digital contracts and rent payment and a variety of tools to help you create and share listings. The only area where the site falters is in its security protocols, which aren’t as in-depth as other platforms. As well, though it’s free to start, Zumper charges a fee for landlords or property managers who have more than 10 listings, which makes it a costly option for businesses. Still, this platform’s wide range of features put it in contention for the best rental websites in Vancouver.

3. Kijiji

Kijiji is a marketplace site that doubles as a popular place for landlords and renters to post and find rental listings. The platform offers a basic suite of listing features including plenty of fields and filters for filling out specific details and room for lots of photos.

Renters

Kijiji is a good basic option for browsing and applying for listings, though it lacks many features that renters may look for. The site does allow for messaging within the platform which makes for much easier communication. Unfortunately, Kijiji doesn’t have much in the way of security features and provides little protection against scams.

Landlords

For landlords, Kijiji is a perfectly suitable place to post your listings due to the site’s broad audience and high traffic, though that’s about all it offers. Unlike Craigslist, Kijiji does have a chat feature for easy communication, as well as a centralized inbox for easy lead management.

4. Rentals.ca

Rentals.ca is another popular place to find and rent apartments, houses and condos, and offers a user-friendly layout as well as excellent search capabilities and an interactive map.

Renters

Rentals.ca is a great option for renters primarily because of the number of listings available. Since it’s such a popular platform, there are plenty of rentals to choose from and the site makes it easy to navigate them thanks to a split-screen map/photo view and lots of different search filters.

Landlords

Rentals.ca allows landlords to post for free, and the site offers lots of ways to customize your listing and make it stand out, including a photo gallery and neighbourhood score. Because it’s a listing site, Rentals.ca doesn’t provide features for navigating the rental process beyond inquiries.

5. PadMapper

PadMapper is another popular option in Halifax due to its easy-to-use map view for easy browsing, as well as a variety of built-in search features. The site is fairly bare-bones in terms of appearance and features, but works quite well and is simple to use for what it does.

Renters

PadMapper lets renters browse with ease thanks to an interactive map and various filters. As far as communications, PadMapper allows tenants to send messages with their phone number and email address to get in touch with landlords. The platform doesn’t mention any specific security or verification processes, though it does require a precise address in order to post a listing.

Landlords

PadMapper is a simple, effective way for landlords to get their listings posted quickly, though the site doesn’t offer support for much beyond inquiries. The site’s map view is extremely easy to navigate though, a feature which tenants still gravitate towards.

6. Facebook Marketplace/Groups

Facebook Marketplace is a great way to find apartments and houses for rent in Halifax. Though renters and landlords should exercise caution when using the platform due to the potential for fraudulent posts and users, there are plenty of local, moderated groups that allow for easy browsing and the ability to get in touch over Facebook Messenger.

Renters

Facebook is an extremely popular place for renters to browse apartments thanks to the volume of posts, though this is also its greatest downfall. Because Facebook has never claimed to be a rental platform, the site has few checks in place for screening out scams, although there are many moderated groups that provide a safer alternative.

Landlords

Landlords looking to reach a broad audience would do well to post their listing to Facebook due to the large number of renters browsing the platform. Though it doesn’t provide much in the way of additional features, it’s easy to get your listing posted and communicate through the built-in Messenger app.

7. Craigslist

If you’ve rented in Canada before, you’re likely already familiar with Craigslist. The marketplace site has long been the go-to place to post and find rental listings, as well as a variety of other goods & services, due to its pared-down appeal and ease of use. Though it may come out on top in terms of the number of listings available, the site lacks many of the security features renters and landlords should look for in a rental platform.

Renters

Renters can easily browse the site using a good selection of filters. For applications, Craigslist lists landlords’ email addresses and/or phone numbers for renters to get in touch. Do use caution when applying to rentals on Craigslist though – since there’s little in the way of verification, it’s not uncommon to come across rental scams on the site.

Landlords

Craigslist does provide a basic listing template including room for plenty of photos. The site also allows for a map view of each property and provides ample room for a description, as well as pre-set options for details about the unit. Renters can easily browse for rentals using a good selection of filters. For applications, Craigslist lists landlords’ email addresses and/or phone numbers for renters to get in touch.

8. 4rent

4rent is a rental listing website that’s popular across Canada and offers both attractive listing pages and organizational tools for landlords. However, it does fall short in other categories, notably, it does not have an app or a chat feature, which can allow for instant communication between landlords and tenants.

Renters

4rent has lots of listings in Halifax and is easy for renters to navigate thanks to convenient drop-down filters and a map view for navigating listings. There’s even a ‘create alert’ option for hands-off browsing and you can submit inquiries directly using a built-in form.

Landlords

Posting listings is straightforward with 4rent, however you’ll likely need to go elsewhere for things like leasing and rent payments since this minimal platform keeps things simple. Still, listings look good and reach a wide variety of renters and some of the organizational tools built into the platform can be useful.

Renters: what is the best website to find apartments for rent in Halifax?

Given the rapid rise in rental scams in recent years, renters looking for apartments for rent in Halifax or nearby Dartmouth rentals should put their safety & security first when it comes to choosing a rental website. Particularly for first-time renters, students, or those renting from abroad, using a rental website that safeguards you from the stress and financial burden of scams is vitally important. In the absence of face-to-face communications, there are plenty of opportunities for dishonest or deceitful behaviour on either end of the rental process. Our goal at liv.rent is to reduce the risk of potential scams by helping connect verified landlords & tenants to build a trusted rental community.

Not only is liv.rent safe, it’s also incredibly easy for renters to use thanks to time-saving features like listing alerts, tons of customizable search filters, and video tours to allow you to browse Halifax rentals with ease. To make your applications even easier, you’ll only need to fill out your profile once and can then apply to multiple listings with just a few quick clicks.

Watch the video below for a step-by-step tutorial on getting started searching for listings on liv.rent.

Landlords: where to post apartments for rent in Halifax

As a landlord, your main focus should be creating a profitable rental business while also ensuring your property is protected from troublesome tenants who can lead to damage, complaints, missed payments, and other costly issues. While most landlords will already be familiar with popular websites like Craigslist and Kijiji, the rental scene has evolved with new, all-in-one options creating a far easier and safer way to rent in Canada.

For these reasons, landlords unsure of where to post their listing for rent should be sure to check out liv.rent. The Vancouver-based platform’s broad range of tenant screening, marketing and management features make it the best-in-class, while flexible pricing plans let both landlords and property managers find an option that works for them. As well, liv.rent has a detailed verification process for tenants including the revamped Trust Score, where you can view employment/income verification, credit checks, a detailed risk assessment, and more in an easy-to-understand format. Best of all? It’s completely free to post unlimited listings, as well as access many liv.rent features like rent collection and standard digital contracts.

If you’re searching for an easier way to list and manage your rentals, be sure to sign up for liv.rent today.

FAQ: The best websites to post & find apartments for rent in Halifax

What is the vacancy rate in Halifax?

Halifax currently has a 1.0% vacancy rate according to the latest data from CMHC. Generally speaking, a 3% vacancy rate is considered ‘healthy’, with the Canada-wide vacancy rate currently at 1.5%.

How much is rent in Halifax, Nova Scotia?

According to data from Zumper, the average monthly rent price for a one-bedroom unit in Halifax is $1,995.

Is Halifax expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, can vary depending on factors like rent, transportation, food, and entertainment. Generally, compared to some larger Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, Halifax tends to be more affordable. However, like any urban center, certain neighbourhoods or amenities within Halifax may come with a higher price tag.

We recommend browsing listings in Halifax to see if it’s within your budget as everyone’s budget is different.

Why is Halifax rent so expensive?

Like many Canadian cities, Halifax has seen a significant rise in demand for rental housing while supply has increased relatively slowly.

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market.

>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.

The post 8 best rental websites to find & post apartments for rent in Halifax appeared first on liv.rent blog.

What are Credits?

Within the liv.rent platform, credits are a form of digital currency which landlords & property managers can use to unlock additional features. Credits for certain features come pre-loaded in our Growth and Business plans, while users on our free Essentials plan can purchase add-on features on an ‘à la carte’ basis.

Landlords can access a variety of time-saving features and renting solutions through the credit system. These features were designed to provide an extra boost to your productivity, helping you find reliable tenants and manage your listings more efficiently and effectively.

Here are brief explanations of some of the features that can be unlocked either through credits or liv.rent’s premium Landlord Plans.

• Tenant Screening Report — The Trust Score gives landlords a comprehensive report on applicants’ suitability complete with Equifax® credit information, income & employment verification documents, a detailed risk assessment, and more.
• Sponsored Listings — Sponsored Listings help boost your inquiries and applications when you need it most with front & centre placement on our listing pages. Starting at just $1.72/day, landlords can customize when, and for how long their Sponsored Listings appear to deliver maximum results at crucial times.
• Automated Multi-Platform Advertising — Your listing will be shared to popular rental platforms like Craigslist and Facebook and our team will manage all inquiries.
• Monthly Analytics Report — View a detailed report of your listing’s performance with metrics that will help you reach more renters.
• Company Landing Page — A Company Landing Page displays all your business’ listings in one convenient location with customized branding to stand out from the competition. There are two types of company landing pages on liv.rent: Standard for Growth users and Custom for landlords on our Business plan. Only Custom Company Landing Pages display customized branding for your business.
• Addendums by liv.rent — Use pre-loaded, lawyer-vetted lease addendums to bulletproof your contracts and add details to smoking, pet, and parking policies plus more. For Business users, Custom Addendums allows you to upload your own existing addendums for use directly on liv.rent.

The liv.rent Credit Usage system explained

The new Credit Usage system makes it easier to access premium features with more ways to pay for the solutions you need. Here’s how landlords can access & view their credits, purchase additional credits, and use them to unlock features.

Accessing the Credit Usage page

Landlords can learn more about and unlock additional features for their listings by navigating to the Credit Usage page located on the left sidebar. Here, Growth and Business users can see the features available through their Landlord Plan by using the My Products tab, as well as a list of all available features under the All Products tab. For convenience, this can also be sorted into Tenant Screening, Rental Advertising, and Leases & Payments sections.

Purchasing credits

Growth & Business Plans

For landlords and property managers on liv.rent’s Growth or Business plans, you’ll notice that some features are already unlocked in the My Products tab. You can also view how many credits you have available and use remaining credits to unlock certain features. Credits included in premium plans reset each month on your billing date, but you can purchase more credits as needed if you use your included credits.

Essentials Plan

For users on liv.rent’s free Essentials Plan, you can unlock additional features like Tenant Screening Reports or Sponsored Listings on a pay-per-use basis. Once you click “Buy more” you’ll be redirected to a payment screen to complete your purchase. Additional features under the All Products tab can be unlocked by upgrading your plan and/or contacting sales.

How to use credits

To use your available credits, simply follow the instructions next to each feature. Some features can be unlocked by clicking “Use Credit” while for others you’ll need to contact our Support Team to set them up.

For example, clicking on Sponsored Listings will take you to a screen that allows you to select which listing you’d like to use your credit on. Similarly, clicking on Tenant Screening Reports will take you to your Applications page for you to select a tenant, and Addendums will take you to the Contract section of your Landlord Dashboard.

Which Landlord Plan is right for you?

Landlords on liv.rent can post unlimited listings, message renters, sign standard digital leases, and collect rent for free with liv.rent’s Essentials Plan, and can access premium features like Automated Multi-Platform Advertising and Trust Score tenant screening reports on a pay-per-use basis.

For landlords and property managers looking to further streamline their rental process and gain access to features used by top professionals, liv.rent’s new premium plans are here to make renting even easier. Both the Growth and business plans include credits each month that can be used to unlock additional tenant screening & advertising solutions – plus unlimited access to addendums (standard for Growth users, custom for Business), and more.

You can compare different liv.rent plans here to find the right option for your rental business.

How liv.rent’s premium features help get listings rented faster

Now with new ‘à la carte’ purchasing options, liv.rent’s advanced time-saving features are more accessible to landlords at all levels, giving you access to the same tools used by professionals.

Whether your listing could use a boost with Automated Multi-Platform Advertising or you’re hoping to identify the perfect tenant through the Trust Score, our technology-driven features help streamline time-consuming tasks and make renting easier, safer, and more convenient for landlords.

You can read more about some of our top features in the articles below.

• How liv.rent’s Sponsored Listings fill vacancies faster
• The Trust Score: Explained For Landlords
• Common Lease Addendums And How To Use Them

Learn more and upgrade your landlord plan at liv.rent/pricing.

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market.

>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.

The post Rent your listing faster with premium liv.rent features appeared first on liv.rent blog.

What renters should look for in a rental platform

When choosing where to look for a place to rent, renters should take into account the following factors:

• Verified landlords & listings – Rental scams are a common sight in the current market, and it’s important for renters to be able to distinguish real listings from fake ones meant to swindle them out of their hard-earned money. The safest way to go about this is to choose a rental platform with multi-layered, manual verification protocols that can reliably spot and block suspicious listings and user profiles.
• Customizable search filters – Looking for listings can be a lot of work without the right tools. To save you time in your search, opt for a rental website with lots of options for searching, such as number of bedrooms & bathrooms, pet policy, contract duration, and included amenities to streamline your quest for the perfect place.
• Security features – Renters are required to submit a variety of personal and financial information throughout the rental process, and it’s important that you’re sure where this information is going and how it’s being used. Ideally, choose a rental platform with a clear privacy policy that won’t sell your data.

What landlords should look for in a rental platform

• Tenant screening features – Protecting your property investment should be a priority for every landlord. The wrong tenants can cost you thousands of dollars in damages and missed rent payments, so it’s important to utilize a tenant screening tool like the Trust Score that goes beyond a credit check, giving you a complete picture of tenants’ reliability.
• All-in-one tools – Today’s landlords live busy lives, and deserve a rental platform that can keep up, helping them save time at every stage of the rental process. While listing sites are great for sharing your listing to in order to expand its reach, landlords can make their leaves easier with a platform that supports listing, leasing, and signing contracts & receiving rent payments in one place.
• Flexible pricing plans – Some Canadian rental platforms charge a listing fee or a percentage charge for ongoing use of their services. Especially if you’re just getting started as a landlord, you’ll want to keep as much of your profits as possible with free listings and optional pay-per-use features to give you greater flexibility.

How to find apartments for rent in Calgary

The process for finding apartments for rent in Calgary is very similar to renting elsewhere in Canada, for the most part. While it’s not uncommon for renters to walk around neighbourhoods they’re interested in looking for vacancy signs, most people have switched to online methods to save themselves the legwork. The majority of landlords have also switched to posting their listings online, making it easier than ever to rent your perfect home almost entirely digitally.

For renters, this means that your first priority should be deciding which rental website you’ll use to find apartments for rent in Calgary. Not all rental platforms are built equally, and where you look for listings will determine not just how much time and effort you put into the rental process, but also how safe & secure you are throughout your search.

To help renters find the best website for their needs, we’ve broken down some of Canada’s best and most popular rental platforms to give you a better sense of where you should begin your search for the perfect place.

The best rental platforms in Calgary

Here, we’ve compiled & ranked some of the most popular rental platforms available in Calgary, looking at the availability of key features for renters and landlords.

1. liv.rent

liv.rent is an all-in-one rental platform available in Alberta, B.C., Ontario, and Montreal that allows landlords and tenants to rent safely and securely thanks to an extensive verification process and features like verified landlords & listings and the Trust Score tenant screening tool, available on a pay-per-use basis for Essentials users and included in the platform’s Growth and Business plans. As you can see, liv.rent unsurprisingly ticks all of our boxes, and has a variety of features for every stage of the rental process, for both landlords & renters.

Renters

On liv.rent, tenants can easily search for rentals using a variety of filters and even a map view, then quickly message landlords for more information using built-in instant chat. From there, they can submit applications, book viewings and when it comes time, sign lease agreements and pay rent and security deposits through a variety of methods including credit card, UnionPay and even Bitcoin.

Landlords

For landlords, liv.rent provides pre-filled listing templates to help you create attractive, effective listing pages, including a newly added Smart Description feature which uses AI To write an engaging listing description for you, plus tools to allow for sharing to other platforms like Craigslist and Kijiji. Simply put, liv.rent is the best website to post a rental property for landlords.

For quick and effective tenant screening, liv.rent has refined and added to their innovative Trust Score feature, which gives landlords a comprehensive picture of a tenant’s suitability including a credit summary, a detailed risk assessment, income & employment verification, and more. All in all, this complete platform is the best way to advertise and manage your apartments for rent in Canada.

For landlords looking to further streamline their rental process and gain access to the same tools used by professional property managers, liv.rent’s new Growth plan is here to make renting even easier. The Growth plan is effectively an all-in-one property management software package, with all the tools you’ll need to digitize and streamline your rental process from start to finish. For just $48/month, this comprehensive plan includes:

• Unlimited lease protection addendums
• 2 Trust Score reports with credit check per month
• Automated rental advertising (2 per month)
• Shared management tools for up to 3 users

…plus everything in our Essentials plan.

2. Zumper

Like liv.rent, Zumper is an all-in-one rental platform that’s popular among renters and landlords across Canada. On top of a user-friendly layout, Zumper has features to help landlords and tenants streamline every stage of the rental process, including tenant screening and rent payment & collection.

Renters

For renters, Zumper is a convenient way to browse and apply for listings thanks to its visually appealing layout. With that being said, the site does lack the comprehensive security and verification features of other platforms like liv.rent, though it does allow for the entire rental process to be completed within the site and there are some measures in place to prevent against fake landlords and listings.

Landlords

Zumper also has a full 12/12 features, including digital contracts and rent payment and a variety of tools to help you create and share listings. The only area where the site falters is in its security protocols, which aren’t as in-depth as other platforms. As well, though it’s free to start, Zumper charges a fee for landlords or property managers who have more than 10 listings, which makes it a costly option for businesses. Still, this platform’s wide range of features put it in contention for the best rental websites in Vancouver.

3. Zillow

Zillow is primarily a platform for buying and selling real estate, but the site is also a popular place for renters & landlords, especially in metropolitan areas like Vancouver and Toronto. The platform has a variety of tools to simplify the lives of both landlords and renters, although it’s two shy of a perfect 12/12. Zillow is free to start for landlords but has ongoing weekly fees for additional listings, which means it can get expensive quickly if you have multiple properties to rent.

Renters

Zillow is fairly easy to browse thanks to a handy map view and a simple, easy-to-navigate layout. Renters can also request to book showings/submit applications directly from the listing page using pre-set forms. It’s also handy to be able to see exactly when listings were posted front and centre to save time applying to outdated posts.

Landlords

Zillow has a good range of descriptors and options for creating great-looking listings which include room for tons of photos as well as 3D tours. The site also provides a convenient neighbourhood map for all listings, in addition to an FAQ section that gives more information about the property and its location. Zillow has a number of convenient features for managing rentals as well, including rent payments and digital contracts, though it lacks some marketing and organizational tools.

4. Rentfaster

Rentfaster is one of the most widely used rental platforms in Alberta due to its variety of features and popularity among both renters and landlords. Primarily a listing platform, there are a few other features that take this popular option to the next level – such as the ability to send & receive messages directly on the platform, and built-in applications.

Renters

Renters will find plenty of listings to choose from on Rentfaster as it’s one of the city’s most popular listing sites. However, there are no clear verification processes in place, and the platform is also missing some helpful features like digital rent payments and secure, online contracts. With that said, renters will benefit from the handy map view and convenient applications that you can fill out once and use to apply for multiple listings.

Landlords

For landlords, Rentfaster is a great way to expand your audience of prospective tenants due to the sheer number of users on the popular site. Managing inquiries is also easy with a centralized inbox and applications within the platform, and Rentfaster also provides downloadable applications for you to use. The platform is more expensive than other options covered here, however, at a cost of $47.50 plus taxes for new listings.

5. Kijiji

Kijiji is a marketplace site that doubles as a popular place for landlords and renters to post and find rental listings. The platform offers a basic suite of listing features including plenty of fields and filters for filling out specific details and room for lots of photos.

Renters

Kijiji is a good basic option for browsing and applying for listings, though it lacks many features that renters may look for. The site does allow for messaging within the platform which makes for much easier communication. Unfortunately, Kijiji doesn’t have much in the way of security features and provides little protection against scams.

Landlords

For landlords, Kijiji is a perfectly suitable place to post your listings due to the site’s broad audience and high traffic, though that’s about all it offers. Unlike Craigslist, Kijiji does have a chat feature for easy communication, as well as a centralized inbox for easy lead management.

6. Rentals.ca

Rentals.ca is another popular place to find and rent apartments, houses and condos, and offers a user-friendly layout as well as excellent search capabilities and an interactive map.

Renters

Rentals.ca is a great option for renters primarily because of the number of listings available. Since it’s such a popular platform, there are plenty of rentals to choose from and the site makes it easy to navigate them thanks to a split-screen map/photo view and lots of different search filters.

Landlords

Rentals.ca allows landlords to post for free, and the site offers lots of ways to customize your listing and make it stand out, including a photo gallery and neighbourhood score. Because it’s a listing site, Rentals.ca doesn’t provide features for navigating the rental process beyond inquiries.

7. PadMapper

PadMapper is another popular option in Canada due to its easy-to-use map view for easy browsing, as well as a variety of built-in search features. The site is fairly bare-bones in terms of appearance and features, but works quite well and is simple to use for what it does.

Renters

PadMapper lets renters browse with ease thanks to an interactive map and various filters. As far as communications, PadMapper allows tenants to send messages with their phone number and email address to get in touch with landlords. The platform doesn’t mention any specific security or verification processes, though it does require a precise address in order to post a listing.

Landlords

PadMapper is a simple, effective way for landlords to get their listings posted quickly, though the site doesn’t offer support for much beyond inquiries. The site’s map view is extremely easy to navigate though, a feature which tenants still gravitate towards.

8. Facebook Marketplace/Groups

Facebook Groups and Marketplace are great ways to find apartments and houses for rent in Canada. Though renters and landlords should exercise caution when using the platform due to the potential for fraudulent posts and users, there are plenty of local, moderated groups that allow for easy browsing and the ability to get in touch over Facebook Messenger.

Renters

Facebook Marketplace is an extremely popular place for renters to browse apartments thanks to the volume of posts, though this is also its greatest downfall. Because Facebook has never claimed to be a rental platform, the site has few checks in place for screening out scams, although there are many moderated groups that provide a safer alternative.

Landlords

Landlords looking to reach a broad audience would do well to post their listing to Facebook due to the large number of renters browsing the platform. Though it doesn’t provide much in the way of additional features, it’s easy to get your listing posted and communicate through the built-in Messenger app.

9. Craigslist

If you’ve ever rented in Canada, you’re likely already familiar with Craigslist. The marketplace site has long been the go-to place to post and find rental listings, as well as a variety of other goods & services, due to its pared-down appeal and ease of use. Though it may come out on top in terms of the number of listings available, the site lacks many of the security features renters and landlords should look for in a rental platform.

Renters

Renters can easily browse the site using a good selection of filters. For applications, Craigslist lists landlords’ email addresses and/or phone numbers for renters to get in touch. Do use caution when applying to rentals on Craigslist though – since there’s little in the way of verification, it’s not uncommon to come across rental scams on the site.

Landlords

Craigslist does provide a basic listing template including room for plenty of photos. The site also allows for a map view of each property and provides ample room for a description, as well as pre-set options for details about the unit. Renters can easily browse for rentals using a good selection of filters. For applications, Craigslist lists landlords’ email addresses and/or phone numbers for renters to get in touch.

Renters: what is the best website to find apartments for rent in Calgary?

Rental scams have become an increasingly common sight in recent years, and Calgary’s competitive rental market is no exception. Especially for first-time renters, students, or those renting from abroad, using a rental website that safeguards you from the stress and financial burden of scams is crucial. Viewing listings in person is always a good way to make sure you’re not dealing with a scam, but a trusted rental platform can do this work for you and save you the guesswork.

Not only is liv.rent Canada’s safest rental platform because of our extensive verification measures, it’s also incredibly easy for renters to use thanks to time-saving features like listing alerts, tons of customizable search filters, and video tours to allow you to browse listings with ease. To make your applications even easier, you’ll only need to fill out your profile once and can then apply to multiple listings with just a few quick clicks.

Watch the video below for a step-by-step tutorial on getting started searching for listings on liv.rent.

Landlords: where should you post apartments for rent in Calgary?

As a landlord, your main focus should be creating a profitable rental business while also ensuring your property is protected from troublesome tenants who can lead to damage, complaints, missed payments, and other costly issues. While most landlords will already be familiar with popular websites like Craigslist and Kijiji, the rental scene has evolved with new, all-in-one options creating a far easier and safer way to rent in Canada..

For these reasons, landlords unsure of where to post their listing for rent should be sure to check out liv.rent. The Vancouver-based platform’s broad range of tenant screening, marketing and management features make it the best-in-class, while flexible pricing plans let both landlords and property managers find an option that works for them. As well, liv.rent has a detailed verification process for tenants including the revamped Trust Score, where you can view employment/income verification, credit checks, a detailed risk assessment, and more in an easy-to-understand format. Best of all? It’s completely free to post unlimited listings, as well as access many liv.rent features like rent collection and standard digital contracts.

If you’re searching for an easier way to list and manage your rentals, be sure to sign up for liv.rent today.

FAQ: The best websites to post & find apartments for rent in Calgary

Is it easy to rent an apartment in Calgary?

Whether or not it will be easy to find an apartment for rent in Calgary depends on an assortment of factors like your budget, how strict your preferences are, and the time of year you’re looking. Generally speaking, Calgary’s rental market has become more competitive in recent years, which has also led to the city’s rent prices increasing substantially.

Calgary is still a cheaper alternative to other major rental markets like Vancouver and Toronto, however, and with the right rental platform, renters shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a place to call home.

Is it expensive to rent in Calgary?

Compared to other major rental markets, apartments for rent in Calgary still have cheaper average rent prices than in some of Canada’s largest cities. Ultimately, the amount you’ll pay for rent depends on how much space you need, what kind of unit you’re looking to rent, the specific area, and the age of the unit.

For an up-to-date look at rent prices in Calgary, you can find our latest Calgary & Edmonton Rent Report here.

Why is Calgary’s rent so high?

Apartments for rent in Calgary have become notably more expensive over the years due to factors such as increased interest and mortgage rates and their corresponding effect on rent prices in Vancouver and Toronto, in particular, which have caused many renters to move to cities like Calgary.

How much should you spend on rent in Calgary?

Again, this depends on many of the factors listed above.

To give renters an idea of how much they’ll be spending, the average monthly rent price for an unfurnished, one-bedroom unit in Calgary was $1,728 as of our April 2025 Rent Report.

What is the best place to rent in Calgary?

Both renters and landlords can benefit from liv.rent’s extensive safety measures and all-in-one features for posting & finding apartments for rent in Calgary. This post should provide an overview of the best places to look for rentals online for renters looking to compare their options.

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

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>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.

The post The 9 best websites to find & post apartments for rent in Calgary appeared first on liv.rent blog.

What renters should look for in a rental website or platform

When choosing which apartment rental site to use, renters should take into account the following factors:

• Verified landlords & listings – Rental scams are a common sight in the current market, and it’s important for renters to be able to distinguish real listings from fake ones meant to swindle them out of their hard-earned money. The safest way to go about this is to choose a rental platform with multi-layered, manual verification protocols that can reliably spot and block suspicious listings and user profiles.
• A variety of customizable search filters – Looking for listings can be a lot of work without the right tools. To save you time in your search, opt for a rental website with lots of options for searching, such as number of bedrooms & bathrooms, pet policy, contract duration, and included amenities to streamline your quest for the perfect place.
• Security features – Renters are required to submit a variety of personal and financial information throughout the rental process, and it’s important that you’re sure where this information is going and how it’s being used. Ideally, choose a rental platform with a clear privacy policy that won’t sell your data.

What landlords should look for in a rental website or platform

• Tenant screening features – Protecting your property investment should be a priority for every landlord. The wrong tenants can cost you thousands of dollars in damages and missed rent payments, so it’s important to utilize a tenant screening tool like the Trust Score that goes beyond a credit check, giving you a complete picture of tenants’ reliability.
• All-in-one tools – Today’s landlords live busy lives, and deserve a rental platform that can keep up, helping them save time at every stage of the rental process. While listing sites are great for sharing your listing to in order to expand its reach, landlords can make their leaves easier with a platform that supports listing, leasing, and signing contracts & receiving rent payments in one place.
• Flexible pricing plans – Some Canadian rental platforms charge a listing fee or a percentage charge for ongoing use of their services. Especially if you’re just getting started as a landlord, you’ll want to keep as much of your profits as possible with free listings and optional pay-per-use features to give you greater flexibility.

How to find apartments for rent in Canada

No matter where in Canada you’re located, the process for finding an apartment tends to be more or less the same. While some renters may still prefer to canvas the neighbourhoods they’re interested in in-person, looking for vacancy signs, the majority of Canadian renters will conduct the majority of their housing search online through apartment rental sites, whether they’re looking for apartments for rent in Halifax, apartments for rent in Winnipeg, apartments for rent in Toronto, or apartments for rent in Montreal. Today’s landlords know that renters are increasingly searching online, and you’ll find almost every available property in your area listed online, where you can inquire and arrange viewings.

The main challenge facing renters is deciding which apartment rental site will be the most beneficial in helping them find apartments for rent in Canada. Not all rental platforms are built equally, and where you choose to conduct your search will influence not just how much time and money you spend on the rental process, but also how safe & secure you are during your search.

To help simplify your decision, we’ve broken down some of Canada’s best and most popular rental platforms to give you a better sense of where you should begin your search for the perfect place.

1. liv.rent – Canada’s Best Rental Wesbite

Features Included: 12 / 12

Pricing (Landlords):

• $0 (Essentials)
• $48 / month (Growth)
• $399 / month (Business)

Renters

On liv.rent, tenants can easily search for rentals using a variety of filters and even a map view, then quickly message landlords for more information using built-in instant chat. From there, they can submit applications, book viewings and when it comes time, sign lease agreements and pay rent and security deposits through a variety of methods including credit card, UnionPay and even Bitcoin.

Landlords

For landlords, liv.rent provides pre-filled listing templates to help you create attractive, effective listing pages, including a newly added Smart Description feature which uses AI To write an engaging listing description for you, plus tools to allow for sharing to other platforms like Craigslist and Kijiji. Simply put, liv.rent is the best website to post a rental property for landlords.

The platform also comes with pre-loaded standard digital lease agreements for B.C. and Ontario, in addition to a variety of lawyer-vetted lease addendums to add detail to your contract. For quick and effective tenant screening, liv.rent has refined and added to their innovative Trust Score feature, which gives landlords a comprehensive picture of a tenant’s suitability including a credit summary, a detailed risk assessment, income & employment verification, and more. All in all, this complete platform is the best way to advertise and manage your apartments for rent in Canada.

For landlords looking to further streamline their rental process and gain access to the same tools used by professional property managers, liv.rent’s new Growth plan is here to make renting even easier. The Growth plan is effectively an all-in-one property management software package, with all the tools you’ll need to digitize and streamline your rental process from start to finish. For just $48/month, this comprehensive plan includes:

• Unlimited lease protection addendums
• 2 Trust Score reports with credit check per month
• Automated rental advertising (2 per month)
• Shared management tools for up to 3 users

…plus everything in our Essentials plan.

2. Zumper

Features Included: 12 / 12

Pricing:

• Free (up to 10 listings)
• Unlimited listings: 2% of monthly rent

Like liv.rent, Zumper is a home rental site that’s popular among renters and landlords across Canada. On top of a user-friendly layout, Zumper has features to help landlords and tenants streamline every stage of the rental process, including tenant screening and rent payment & collection.

Renters

For renters, Zumper is a convenient way to browse and apply for listings thanks to its visually appealing layout. With that being said, the site does lack the comprehensive security and verification features of other platforms like liv.rent, though it does allow for the entire rental process to be completed within the site and there are some measures in place to prevent against fake landlords and listings.

Landlords

Zumper also has a full 12/12 features, including digital contracts and rent payments and a variety of tools to help you create and share listings. The only area where the site falters is in its security protocols, which aren’t as in-depth as other platforms. Also, though it’s free to start, Zumper charges a fee for landlords or property managers who have more than 10 listings, which makes it a costly option for businesses. Still, this apartment rental sites​ wide range of features put it in contention for the best rental websites in Vancouver.

3. Zillow

Features Included (10/12)

Pricing

Zillow is primarily a platform for buying and selling real estate, but the site is also a popular place for renters & landlords, especially in metropolitan areas like Vancouver and Toronto. The platform has a variety of tools to simplify the lives of both landlords and renters, although it’s two shy of a perfect 12/12. Zillow is free to start for landlords but has ongoing weekly fees for additional listings, which means it can get expensive quickly if you have multiple properties to rent.

Renters

Zillow is fairly easy to browse thanks to a handy map view and a simple, easy-to-navigate layout. Renters can also request to book showings/submit applications directly from the listing page using pre-set forms. It’s also handy to be able to see exactly when listings were posted front and centre to save time applying to outdated posts.

Landlords

Zillow has a good range of descriptors and options for creating great-looking listings which include room for tons of photos as well as 3D tours. The site also provides a convenient neighbourhood map for all listings, in addition to an FAQ section that gives more information about the property and its location. Zillow has a number of convenient features for managing rentals as well, including rent payments and digital contracts, though it lacks some marketing and organizational tools.

4. Condos.ca

Features Included: 6 / 12
Starting Price: Free

For both renters and landlords, Condos.ca has a lot of the basics you need to rent a home in Canada. Available in a number of Canadian cities, this popular apartment rental site facilitates both sales and rentals in one location, with quite a few of the most important features users should look for.

Renters

Renters will benefit from the many listings available on Condos.ca, particularly if you’re looking to rent in the Greater Toronto Area. The map view makes searching for listings easy and it’s fairly simple to inquire & apply to properties you’re interested in, but the lack of a built-in chat can make communication difficult.

Landlords

Built-in marketing plans and organizational tools are a big plus for landlords, but Condos.ca is still primarily a listing site, without the all-in-one features of other platforms on this list. Despite this, the platform is easy to use with a fairly wide audience and is free to get started.

5. Kijiji

Features Included: 5 / 12
Starting Price: Free

Kijiji is a marketplace site that doubles as a popular place for landlords and renters to post and find rental listings. The platform offers a basic suite of listing features including plenty of fields and filters for filling out specific details and room for lots of photos.

Renters

Kijiji is a good basic option for browsing and applying for listings, though it lacks many features that renters may look for. The site does allow for messaging within the platform which makes for much easier communication. Unfortunately, Kijiji doesn’t have much in the way of security features and provides little protection against scams.

Landlords

For landlords, Kijiji is a perfectly suitable place to post your listings due to the site’s broad audience and high traffic, though that’s about all it offers. Unlike Craigslist, Kijiji does have a chat feature for easy communication, as well as a centralized inbox for easy lead management.

6. Rentals.ca

Features Included: 5 / 12
Starting Price: Free

Rentals.ca is another popular place to find and rent apartments, houses and condos, and offers a user-friendly layout as well as excellent search capabilities and an interactive map.

Renters

Rentals.ca is a great option for renters primarily because of the number of listings available. Since it’s such a popular home rental site, there are plenty of rentals to choose from and the site makes it easy to navigate them thanks to a split-screen map/photo view and lots of different search filters.

Landlords

Rentals.ca allows landlords to post for free, and the site offers lots of ways to customize your listing and make it stand out, including a photo gallery and neighbourhood score. Because it’s a listing site, Rentals.ca doesn’t provide features for navigating the rental process beyond inquiries.

7. Realtor.ca

Features Included: 5 / 12
Starting Price: Free

Realtor.ca is another top website for finding apartments and houses for rent in Canada in terms of popularity. Having an app is handy for when you’re on the go and about to spend a day viewing listings. However, without digital contracts and rent payments, it’s still a bit old-school and may prefer to save paper in the rental process.

Renters

Despite being used primarily for real estate sales, Realtor.ca is also a popular and easy-to-use website for finding rentals. Since the majority of the rental properties on this platform are posted by licensed real estate agents on behalf of their owners, tenants have a bit more security than with other options.

Landlords

Although it’s primarily a listing platform, landlords should find Realtor.ca fairly intuitive with attractive listing pages and standard options for facilitating tenant inquiries via phone or email. The site also has basic organizational tools to help you manage your listings efficiently, as well as a mobile app for on-the-go rental management.

8. PadMapper

Features Included: 4 / 12
Starting Price: Free

PadMapper is another popular option in Canada due to its easy-to-use map view for easy browsing, as well as a variety of built-in search features. The site is fairly bare-bones in terms of appearance and features, but works quite well and is simple to use for what it does.

Renters

PadMapper lets renters browse with ease thanks to an interactive map and various filters. As far as communications, PadMapper allows tenants to send messages with their phone number and email address to get in touch with landlords. The platform doesn’t mention any specific security or verification processes, though it does require a precise address in order to post a listing.

Landlords

PadMapper is a simple, effective way for landlords to get their listings posted quickly, though the site doesn’t offer support for much beyond inquiries. The site’s map view is extremely easy to navigate though, a feature which tenants still gravitate towards.

9. Facebook Marketplace/Groups

Features Included: 4 / 12
Starting Price: Free

Facebook Groups and even Marketplace are great ways to find apartments and houses for rent in Canada. Though renters and landlords should exercise caution when using the platform due to the potential for fraudulent posts and users, there are plenty of local, moderated groups that allow for easy browsing and the ability to get in touch over Facebook Messenger. For a safe, convenient Facebook Group, check out liv.rent’s own curated rental group, where we post and share apartments, houses and rooms for rent in Canada.

Renters

Facebook is an extremely popular place for renters to browse apartments thanks to the volume of posts, though this is also its greatest downfall. Because Facebook has never claimed to be a rental platform, the site has few checks in place for screening out scams, although there are many moderated groups that provide a safer alternative.

Landlords

Landlords looking to reach a broad audience would do well to post their listing to Facebook due to the large number of renters browsing the platform. Though it doesn’t provide much in the way of additional features, it’s easy to get your listing posted and communicate through the built-in Messenger app.

10. Craigslist

Features Included: 2 / 12
Starting Price: Free

If you’ve ever rented in Canada, you’re likely already familiar with Craigslist. The marketplace site has long been the go-to place to post and find rental listings, as well as a variety of other goods & services, due to its pared-down appeal and ease of use. Though it may come out on top in terms of the number of listings available, the site lacks many of the security features renters and landlords should look for in a rental platform.

Renters

Renters can easily browse the site using a good selection of filters. For applications, Craigslist lists landlords’ email addresses and/or phone numbers for renters to get in touch. Do use caution when applying to rentals on Craigslist though – since there’s little in the way of verification, it’s not uncommon to come across rental scams on the site.

Landlords

Craigslist does provide a basic listing template including room for plenty of photos. The site also allows for a map view of each property and provides ample room for a description, as well as pre-set options for details about the unit. Renters can easily browse for rentals using a good selection of filters. For applications, Craigslist lists landlords’ email addresses and/or phone numbers for renters to get in touch.

11. 4rent

Features Included: 2 / 12

Pricing:

• $29 / month (Standard Tier)
• $59 / month (Premium Tier)
• $129 / month (Featured Tier)

4rent is a rental listing website that’s popular across Canada and offers both attractive listing pages and organizational tools for landlords. However, it does fall short in other categories, notably, it does not have an app or a chat feature, which can allow for instant communication between landlords and tenants.

Renters

4rent has listings in cities & towns across Canada and is easy for renters to navigate thanks to convenient drop-down filters and a map view for navigating listings. There’s even a ‘create alert’ option for hands-off browsing and you can submit inquiries directly using a built-in form.

Landlords

Posting listings is straightforward with 4rent, however you’ll likely need to go elsewhere for things like leasing and rent payments since this minimal platform keeps things simple. Still, listings look good and reach a wide variety of renters and some of the organizational tools built into the platform can be useful.

Renters: what is the best website to find apartments for rent in Canada?

Given the rapid rise in rental scams in recent years, renters looking for apartments for rent in Canada should put their safety & security first when it comes to choosing a rental website. Particularly for first-time renters, students, or those renting from abroad, using a rental website that safeguards you from the stress and financial burden of scams is vitally important. In the absence of face-to-face communications, there are plenty of opportunities for dishonest or deceitful behaviour on either end of the rental process. Our goal at liv.rent is to reduce the risk of potential scams by helping connect verified landlords & tenants to build a trusted rental community.

Not only is liv.rent safe, it’s also incredibly easy for renters to use thanks to time-saving features like listing alerts, tons of customizable search filters, and video tours to allow you to browse listings with ease. To make your applications even easier, you’ll only need to fill out your profile once and can then apply to multiple listings with just a few quick clicks.

Watch the video below for a step-by-step tutorial on getting started searching for listings on liv.rent.

Landlords: where should you post apartments for rent in Canada?

As a landlord, your main focus should be creating a profitable rental business while also ensuring your property is protected from troublesome tenants who can lead to damage, complaints, missed payments, and other costly issues. While most landlords will already be familiar with popular websites like Craigslist and Kijiji, the rental scene has evolved with new, all-in-one options creating a far easier and safer way to rent in Canada..

For these reasons, landlords unsure of where to post their listing for rent should be sure to check out liv.rent. The Vancouver-based platform’s broad range of tenant screening, marketing and management features make it the best-in-class, while flexible pricing plans let both landlords and property managers find an option that works for them. As well, liv.rent has a detailed verification process for tenants including the revamped Trust Score, where you can view employment/income verification, credit checks, a detailed risk assessment, and more in an easy-to-understand format. Best of all? It’s completely free to post unlimited listings, as well as access many liv.rent features like rent collection and standard digital contracts.

If you’re searching for an easier way to list and manage your rentals, be sure to sign up for liv.rent today.

FAQ: The best websites to post & find apartments for rent in Canada

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market.

>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.

The post 11 Rental Websites in Canada 2026 appeared first on liv.rent blog.

Hi everybody! My name is Matisse and I work here at liv.rent as the Marketing Manager. I rent out three properties and use liv.rent to manage them and find my tenants. Recently, I successfully rented out a 3 bed, 3 bath listing in Vancouver in less than 10 days from the listing to the contract being signed. During this time, I received more than 90 inquiries and 50 applications for my apartment. 

I’ll be going through exactly what I did and how you can use the features available within liv.rent to simplify the tenant search and screening process and rent out your apartment fast.

How can I find a tenant faster?

Like most landlords, I’m extremely busy and always looking for ways to do more on the go. My favourite thing about liv.rent is that I can do everything on my phone and cut out a lot of the time that’s usually wasted during the rental process. This allows me to find qualified renters faster, with less time and energy spent on my end.

To break it down, my flow essentially consisted of four simple steps:

1. Share your listing to multiple sites to reach more tenants
2. Use liv.rent as my rental hub
3. Screen candidates using liv.rent
4. Send video tours and book time slots

I’ll be going over what each of those steps looks like and how to rent out an apartment fast using liv.rent.

Share your listing to reach more tenants

To reach more qualified tenants, it’s important to cast a wide net. Thankfully, liv.rent makes it easy to advertise your listing on multiple sites so that you can reach as many interested renters as possible.

This was relatively easy for me as I’m part of a lot of different Facebook groups, but it also led to a barrage of messages from tenants. I received 150+ inquiries in total, which was great for getting leads, but I needed a way to filter out the really interested candidates.

If you’ve used Facebook Marketplace in the past, you know that about 95% of the messages you receive are the standard “Hi, is this still available?”. I didn’t have time to go through and reply to every single message, so instead I directed all interested applicants to my liv.rent listing and communicated there. This is essentially your first screening step as it eliminates the candidates who aren’t committed, while also organizing all your communications into one convenient location.

Use liv.rent as your rental hub

Once my listing was up and running, I started receiving messages on Facebook Messenger instantly. Whenever this happened, I would direct the candidate to message me and apply on liv.rent. This is important because I don’t want to continue any communication on Facebook – it’s a better way for me to organize my chats and keep all the communication and documents in one place. 

No matter where you post or advertise your listing to, you want to direct all your leads back to liv.rent (I call it my rental hub) and tell them to apply there. From there, I received over 50+ applications which was quite overwhelming. So, what I ended up doing was going through each application and short-listing or favouriting my top applicants. 

Screen tenants and create a short-list using liv.rent

Once I have a good number of applicants on liv.rent, my next task is filtering out any renters who don’t seem 100% interested in moving forward with my listing, and also any renters who don’t fit my requirements. I’m looking for someone who will take care of my unit, respectful of noise levels, and of course, can pay their rent on time. 

With this in mind, I created a tenant screening flow using liv.rent to help me save time and streamline my entire rental process. I work full-time and I really didn’t want to waste my energy on anyone who either wasn’t qualified or wasn’t seriously interested in renting my unit. 

Normally the Trust Score is the first thing that I check when looking for new tenants. Students, particularly international students who apply, may not have a credit history in Canada. In this case, I would defer to their submitted statements to see if they are employed, if they have an income, or are otherwise able to pay for rent. I also made sure to call the references listed on their application to better understand who they are as a renter. 

Send video tours and book showing time slots

After I narrowed down my top applicants to about 15, I sent the remaining candidates a link to my video tour using liv.rent and asked them to book a showing if they were still interested in the apartment. I created some options for time slots for my listing and let them know that they could go ahead and book one that was still open. 

When all was said and done, I ended up with about 10 tenants who booked a viewing – my pool of high-intent renters who I knew were seriously interested and fit all my requirements. I was able to rent out this listing in just about 10 days – I could have rented it out faster if I wanted to, but I chose to do my due diligence and go through more applicants to ensure I was totally satisfied with who I chose to rent to. 

I rented my suite out to 3 international students and I was able to use the built-in contract and pre-vetted addendums to quickly and easily get all the paperwork in order.

My tips for renting out an apartment

To summarize, let’s recap a few of the most important tips and features that helped me streamline the rental process using liv.rent and ultimately rent my apartment faster:

• List on multiple sites using built-in sharing features
• Direct all of your communications to your rental hub on liv.rent
• Use liv.rent features to screen and short-list potential tenants
• Send video tours and conduct showings
• Create contracts and addendums using liv.rent

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market.

>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.

The post Landlord Success Story: How To Rent Out An Apartment In 10 Days appeared first on liv.rent blog.

The numbers

Background

The landlord

• Number of listings managed: 1
• Rental platforms used previously: Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist
• Management software used currently: liv.rent
• Employment status: Employed full-time
• Primary concerns: Safety, saving time, finding a suitable match

The landlord in this case was renting out a two-bedroom partial house in Vancouver’s Riley Park-Little Mountain neighbourhood, seeking a source of passive income without the stress of troublesome tenants. The listing was originally posted to Facebook Marketplace, as well as liv.rent’s own Facebook Group.

In the posting, the landlord expressed that she would prefer a family or young professionals, and that her main priority was having responsible tenants who she could trust to pay rent on time and take care of the unit.

“I was so grateful to learn about liv.rent. My colleagues already knew about it, but I had no idea how much help it would be!“

The tenants

• Budget: $2,200
• Areas of interest: Cambie Village, Mount Pleasant, Point Grey/U.B.C.
• Reason for moving: Relocating for work opportunity
• Employment status: Employed full-time
• Primary concerns: Safety, budget, securing a home before arriving in Canada

A family of renters reached out to liv.rent’s support team, looking for a place to rent in Vancouver for under $2,200 per month. These tenants were moving to Canada from abroad, and had been continually inquiring to two-bedroom units near the University of British Columbia with few results to show for it.

Though their budget was far below the city-wide average rental rates, our team of Rental Experts accepted the challenge and promised they’d do all they could to find a suitable property. The tenants were almost set to depart for Vancouver, and needed a place as soon as possible. The family was relocating for a work opportunity, with the husband/father having previously worked in a globally-renowned university.

How they did it

A perfect match

While researching listings for potential outreach, liv.rent’s client success team came across a two-bedroom partial house for rent in Vancouver for a lower-than-average monthly rent price. Shared to liv.rent’s Facebook Group, the listing had only been available for a short time but had already been saved by a number of interested renters. Recalling that we had recently spoken to a family of tenants whose preferences aligned nearly perfectly with this listing, we contacted the landlord by phone, leaving a voicemail to let them know that a family of qualified renters was interested in the unit, highlighting that they had already verified their key information for the landlord’s peace of mind. liv.rent isn’t a placement agency, but we always try to assist in situations such as this one where there’s an opportunity to connect like-minded landlords and tenants.

The landlord returned our call almost immediately, sympathizing with the renters’ situation and curious to learn more about their suitability as tenants. After the landlord expressed frustration with the typical rental process and the number of time-wasting replies on other sites, our Rental Experts explained how liv.rent could simplify their renting with built-in tenant screening, marketing, digital contracts & rent payments, and other automation features.

Getting verified

While still on the line with our support representative, the landlord created her free Essentials account. She then filled out her listing’s details using liv.rent’s pre-loaded template, attaching photos of different angles of the unit, as well as a pre-recorded video tour since the tenants were renting from abroad. She proceeded through the verification processes, uploading a picture of her photo ID and land title documents.

The unit itself was a two-bedroom, one-bathroom partial house with a private entrance – and best of all, it was located in a family-friendly neighbourhood with easy public transit routes to U.B.C., perfect for the young family.

In just over 15 minutes, our team had successfully verified the landlord’s account and address, and her listing was ready to be shared! Using the easy built-in sharing features, the landlord was able to invite the tenant to apply directly, starting a conversation over liv.rent’s instant chat to streamline communication.

Simplifying the tenant screening process

After reviewing their application and asking the prospective tenants some preliminary screening questions, the landlord felt ready to continue with the rental process. Although the renters didn’t yet have a credit history in Canada, the Trust Score and liv.rent’s identity & income verification processes gave the landlord peace of mind to proceed. As the tenants were currently in Latin America, both parties had to work around a 4-hour time difference. Using liv.rent’s instant chat though, they were able to find a time slot that worked for everyone and arranged for a Zoom interview.

Virtual tours make renting from abroad a breeze

During a half-hour video call, the landlord asked a series of questions to get to know the renters better, answering any questions they had as well. While still on the call, the landlord performed a video walk-through of the property, showing the tenants each room as while as the exterior of the unit and the surrounding neighbourhood. The tenants were thrilled with what they’d seen, and the landlord was satisfied that she’d found the perfect tenants for her unit.

Making it official with digital contracts & rent payments

With both parties in agreement, the landlord created a lease agreement using liv.rent’s auto-filled lease templates, generated in seconds using the information they’d already entered onto the platform. Next, the landlord sent a Payment Request for the rent deposit through liv.rent, which the tenant promptly and securely paid directly on the platform.

As easy as that – the lease agreement was complete and both the landlord and their new tenant had found a great match in under 24 hours from the original listing being posted.

How liv.rent helped

From start to finish, this case study shows how liv.rent’s digital tools were key to this landlord renting out their listing in 24 hours, ensuring both parties were able to proceed safely and easily. Renting online can normally pose a number of threats: the tenants might not be who they say they are, their documents may not be valid, or they might not be as interested as they say they are. With liv.rent, the guesswork was taken out of the equation as the tenants had already taken the time to verify their paperwork – showing that they were a.) interested, and b.) qualified to rent.

Once posting their listing on the liv.rent platform, the rental process took mere hours, as both parties were able to do everything they needed in one convenient place. With tenant screening features built right into the platform in the form of the Trust Score and liv.rent’s verification processes, the landlord was able to easily gauge the renters’ qualification in just minutes, rather than waiting for a traditional credit check. Then, using digital contracts and rent payments, the remainder of the rental process took less than an hour.

Since there was a time difference involved and the renters weren’t able to see the unit in person before signing a lease, liv.rent’s support for up to 20 photos, as well as video uploads, was integral to properly preview the property. The instant chat feature also played a big role in ensuring streamlined communication throughout, rather than constantly waiting for emails to send or communicating across different messaging apps.

“liv.rent was a game-changer. From verifying my listing to creating & signing a lease – everything was so easy. I’m never going back!“

Takeaways from this case

While 24 hours is definitely on the lower end of the time it takes to rent out a unit, there are three key things landlords can take away from this case study on renting out their listing:

1. With the right tools, renting online can be both safe & easy — Many landlords are wary of tenants renting from abroad, preferring face-to-face interactions over digital ones. This case showed how with liv.rent, landlords and tenants can establish a similar connection through mutual verification, instant chat, and video uploads/tours.
2. The right tenants are worth making an effort for — Though their listing was originally posted to Facebook Marketplace, this landlord took advantage of liv.rent’s features in order to make communicating with these prospective renters easier. Doing this allowed them to make better-informed decisions about who they were renting to, ultimately leading to a perfect match and a happy, long-lasting tenancy.
3. Mutual trust is key to successful renting — The primary factor in this case study for renting out a listing in 24 hours was trust. Since both parties were absolutely sure that the other was trustworthy and a suitable match, the rental process was able to proceed much faster than usual.

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market.

>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.

The post How a Vancouver landlord rented out their listing in under 24 hours with liv.rent appeared first on liv.rent blog.

Read on for our complete list of apps every landlord should have, or use the table of contents below to navigate to a specific section.

What are the best apps for landlords?

Renting out property has developed a reputation for being a tiresome, neverending job thanks to potentially troublesome tenants, constant upkeep, and making sure you’re getting paid on time. Thankfully, this has changed over time as more and more technologies evolve to free up landlords’ valuable time. The reality is that with the right tools, Canadian landlords can save themselves a ton of time and effort by automating essential duties like marketing, tenant screening, and contract signing.

Even better, all of these things can even be done while landlords are on the go as smartphones grow more sophisticated and mobile apps gain popularity. In fact, there are even some apps that do it all, in one place — which brings us to our first section. Read on for the best all-in-one landlord apps available in Canada.

All-in-one landlord apps

Today’s busy landlords need one app that does it all. Listing, marketing, screening tenants, signing lease agreements, and rent payments: these apps can support landlords through every step of the rental journey, albeit to varying degrees. Only one rental app truly lets landlords do everything, even while they’re on the go — and that’s liv.rent. Here’s the top five options for all-in-one rental apps and what each offers.

1. liv.rent

Unsurprisingly, our first pick on this list is liv.rent. In addition to being Canada’s safest rental platform with features like listing verification and the Trust Score, liv.rent allows landlords to post & share listings, screen tenants, sign digital contracts, and perform other rental management duties from anywhere with a handy mobile app. This all-in-one landlord productivity tool has just about everything landlords and property managers could ask for, and best of all — it offers a free Essentials plan for landlords. With a full 12 out of 12 features, liv.rent is truly the full package.

For landlords looking to further streamline their rental process and gain access to the same tools used by professional property managers, liv.rent’s new Growth plan is here to make renting even easier. The Growth plan is effectively an all-in-one property management software package, with all the tools you’ll need to digitize and streamline your rental process from start to finish. For just $48/month, this comprehensive plan includes:

• Unlimited lease protection addendums
• 2 Trust Score reports with credit check per month
• Automated rental advertising (2 per month)
• Shared management tools for up to 3 users

…plus everything in our Essentials plan.

2. Buildium

Buildium is another rental management software that’s available in Canada and offers landlords quite a few useful tools. Designed for property managers, this app is quite capable at handling day-to-day rental operations, but lacks some features that individual landlords might need, like instant chat and efficient, automated advertising.

3. Yardi Breeze

Another complete property management solution, Yardi Breeze is a Canadian platform with an assortment of solutions for busy landlords and property managers. Like Buildium though, Yardi Breeze lacks some features that individual landlords in particular will find useful. The per unit pricing structure may endear some landlords though, despite the platform lacking instant chat and automated advertising.

4. Total Management

Total Management is a web-based rental management service that bills itself as “the easiest property management software on the market”. Its simple interface and ease of use make it a good choice for beginning landlords or those who aren’t so tech-savvy, but it is missing a few key features — most notably the ability to add and customize lease addendums.

5. AppFolio

AppFolio is another popular option that also has 9 of the 12 features we’re ranking for here. Again, the platform is missing an easy, instant way to communicate with tenants, as well as lacking lease addendums and automated rental advertising. However, AppFolio does feature an intuitive, easy-to-use layout and contains some of the most important features landlords look for in their rental management apps, with a per unit pricing structure.

Landlord apps for productivity

Productivity apps are often associated with large-scale businesses trying to organize team members’ day-to-day tasks, but landlords can benefit greatly from them as well. With the seemingly endless to-do lists most landlords face on a daily basis, it can seem impossible to stay organized and accomplish everything on-time. Being able to visualize your tasks and collaborate with property managers, maintenance people and others on your team is key for stress-free renting, and these apps can help.

Of course, liv.rent is also a landlord productivity tool as well, with features like user management, income expense statements, rent payment reminders, and more — in addition to many of the features highlighted here. You can learn more about everything liv.rent offers landlords here.

1. Asana

Asana is a favourite of many workplaces across a variety of diverse industries, and for good reason. Though it’s designed more for enterprise than individual users, this productivity tool has a ton of functionality that can help landlords get and stay organized, like a customizable dashboard for visualizing the workday, prioritization tools, time tracking, and even a focus mode for when you really need to get something done.

2. Hive

Hive offers a similarly broad assortment of productivity features designed to simplify landlords’ busy days and make managing rentals easy and efficient. With 9 out of the 10 features we’re examining present here, Hive is another great option for organizing your day. The only feature it lacks is a dedicated focus mode, which probably won’t be a dealbreaker for many.

3. Todoist

Todoist is an excellent choice for individuals, particularly landlords since its simple interface and broad functionality lend themselves well to renting. Easy categorization tools allow landlords to input their personal tasks, work goals, and rental activity to keep track of every facet of day-to-day life. The only things Todoist lacks are a focus mode and time tracking, which shouldn’t be a huge loss for individual landlords.

4. Calendly

Especially for busy landlords managing multiple listings in addition to personal and work-related commitments, Calendly can come in handy to keep track of appointments and obligations. A hub for scheduling and keeping track of important meetings, landlords are able to easily build and visualize their days and weeks, while ensuring they never miss an inspection, key hand-off, or open house.

5. Evernote

Evernote takes note-taking to the next level with scheduling, task management, and more. For landlords looking to remember important things like renter information and rent payment deadlines, this convenient software is an excellent tool.

liv.rent pro-tip: Landlords can make private notes within their listings to remember key details about tenants, their applications, and other relevant information.

Landlord apps for listing & advertising

Of course, every landlord needs a place to list their units in order to capture leads and get their property rented as fast as possible. A large audience of renters is great, but with rental scams and professional tenants at an all-time high across the country, the quality of renters a platform attracts is far more important. Competition for units is steeper than ever, with landlords often receiving hundreds of applications in one day, so a landlord tool that helps easily filter applications, like liv.rent’s Trust Score is another helpful feature of a good listing platform.

The other key concerns landlords should have when choosing where to post their listings are the ease with which they can share their listings, and the marketing options available to them. While one platform is great, having the ability to post your listing on one platform and share it to other sites makes landlords’ lives much easier and ensures you’ll have a large pool of renters to choose from.

1. Zumper

Zumper is among Canada’s better-known listing platforms, with a variety of key features that can help speed up the application process. This popular site does have tenant screening and other tools like digital contracts and rent payments, but lacks some of the more in-depth rental management and productivity features of all-in-one tools like liv.rent.

2. Zillow

Zillow is best known as a real estate marketplace, but it does have support for rental units as well. Like other platforms on this list, Zillow has handy templates for creating appealing listings, including convenient neighbourhood map for all listings. Zillow has a number of convenient features for managing rentals as well, including rent payments and digital contracts, though again, it’s missing key marketing and organizational tools.

3. Kijiji

Kijiji is a popular marketplace site for buying and selling just about everything, from cars, to furniture, and whatever else you can imagine — and of course, it’s also used to post and rent property too. While it does do the minimum that’s required of it, Kijiji lacks more specialized features like rental applications, tenant screening, support for digital payments, and lease agreements.

4. Rentals.ca

Rentals.ca, as its name suggests, is another popular app for landlords to post and rent apartments, houses and condos. It offers a user-friendly layout and basic functionality like inquiries, listing pages, and some organizational tools — though it lacks any sort of rental management features. Despite this, Rentals.ca does allow landlords to post for free, and the site offers lots of ways to customize your listing and make it stand out, including a photo gallery and neighbourhood score.

5. Craigslist

Another popular marketplace site, Craigslist is still many landlords’ first stop when they need to post rental listings due to its pared-down appeal and ease of use. Though it may come out on top in terms of the number of listings available, the site lacks many of the security features landlords should look for in a rental platform, not to mention any sort of capability besides basic listing.

Landlord apps for tenant screening

Tenant screening is an integral part of the rental process, and has the potential to make or break a tenancy based on how diligent you were in filtering out applicants. Troublesome tenants can cause a number of problems to your unit, neighbours, and of course you, yourself, so the best way to eliminate this risk is to screen tenants thoroughly in advance.

The traditional way of doing this is by performing a credit check using one of Canada’s two major credit bureaus, but there also exist a number of tenant screening apps to help simplify this task and make the results easier to understand. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the top tenant screening software for landlords.

1. SingleKey

SingleKey offers a simple platform that provides detailed reports using Equifax screening. Where SingleKey sets itself apart is in its speed. The site advertises a less than five-minute processing time for checks, which allows landlords to get the answers they’re looking for faster. However, this speed can’t compete with the instant response given by liv.rent through the Trust Score feature, which allows landlords to instantly view necessary renter information the moment they apply to a listing.

In terms of information, SingleKey offers a comprehensive look into tenants’ financial history, combining an overall Tenant Score with a broken down series of metrics that display the most pertinent information for landlords. The platform gives users the ability to pay-as-you-go rather than locking landlords into membership plans, at a rate of $25 per report.

2. Naborly

Naborly is another popular option for screening tenants that also relies on Equifax for the bulk of its information. Similar to liv.rent, Naborly provides landlords with a single score that factors in data like employment history, court records, and credit information. Naborly also makes it easy to get approval for these checks with a built-in application process.

Some landlords may also prefer the flexibility Naborly offers, as there is a flat rate of $25 per check with no additional membership or subscription fees. It’s worth noting though that Naborly is intended to be used solely for tenant screening, and doesn’t offer the additional functionality provided by all-in-one rental platforms like liv.rent. Still, it’s a suitable option for those looking for a straightforward way to obtain important background information on prospective tenants.

3. RentCheck

RentCheck is one of Canada’s first tenant screening services, and offers a fairly standard credit report, with the option to gather even more in-depth information for an additional cost. RentCheck’s reports offer landlords the ability to choose between Canada’s two major credit bureaus, with information like credit utilization, income-to-rent ratio, bankruptcy index, and more. The price is similar to what landlords would expect to pay for a report directly from a credit bureau, and there is also the option to purchase an annual plan for landlords who need to screen tenants more frequently.

4. TVS

TVS is a Canadian tenant screening service that provides basic information on applicants to landlords using reports from either of Canada’s two credit bureaus. Prices vary based on which of the two is opted for, and criminal records are extra. Still, TVS gives a good idea of tenants’ suitability with information like credit utilization, bankruptcy index, and previous addresses.

Landlord apps for contracts & document storage

Lease agreements are one of the most important parts of the rental process, codifying the tenancy and outlining rules to govern the rental period. For many landlords today, paper leases are a thing of the past, as digital contracts offer a more convenient way to send, sign & store leases on the go. The key features here are digital signing and secure storage, both of which help simplify landlords’ business and offer peace of mind knowing that their vital information is protected.

1. DocuSign

DocuSign is Canada’s #1 choice for digital signatures and cloud-based document security, thanks to a full 8 out of 8 features and a handy mobile app. This helpful landlord app ensures that your lease agreements are legally binding, and that you can easily create and keep track of your agreements with features like view receipts, an automated contract history, identity verification, and convenient customizable templates. For landlords, this platform even supports payments so you can arrange to receive rent right through the app.

2. Dropbox (and HelloSign)

Dropbox has long been a major player in secure, cloud-based document storage, but with the addition of HelloSign, a digital contract solution from the same company, landlords can get even more out of the platform. Now, you can create, send, sign and store your contracts and agreements within one platform, with a nearly complete suite of features to support your needs. This one-two punch is still missing support for rent payments though, so landlords will need to look elsewhere for that feature.

3. PandaDoc

Offering a similar array of features, PandaDoc is another option for landlords & property managers looking to create and sign documents on the go. The app still supports eSignatures with secure storage, customizable templates, and identity verification for added protection, but again — it’s limited to document signing, and lacks support for rent payments and other rental management functions.

Other helpful apps for landlords

These apps perform other functions landlords might find useful, and can go a long way to automating simple but time-consuming parts of your rental management operation.

RentZend

Whether you’re looking to purchase a property or are listing your unit for rent for the first time, it’s a good idea to figure out what you’ll need to charge for rent in order to break even and ideally make a profit — especially in the current climate with rising interest rates leading to larger mortgage payments for many homeowners. RentZend is a good option that includes a variety of factors, looking at tax records and estimated rent to give landlords a better picture of how their investment will perform over time.

Pro-tip: For a personalized estimate of how much your property rents for, liv.rent’s rental experts will examine your listing details, neighbourhood and market trends to give you an accurate sense of what to charge. Click below to start your free estimate.

TaskRabbit

Every landlord needs a handyman for the miscellaneous repairs that will inevitably arise for any rental property. If you don’t already have someone available, TaskRabbit is a popular place for landlords, renters, and practically everyone else to find people to help clean, move, repair, and just about anything else you can think of. You can search the platform for workers who are able to assist, and both booking and payments are conveniently processed through the app.

Zolo

Zolo is a popular real estate marketplace with listings across Canada and a variety of other insights. If you’re looking to purchase a property, whether it’s your first or fifth, Zolo is a great place to start your search and get a sense of where prices stand in the neighbourhoods you’re looking in.

Walk Score

Getting to know your neighbourhood is always a good idea before you go to rent out your property. Walkable amenities and transportation options are a big part of what attracts renters, so being able to speak to these things in your listing description can help attract renters. Enter Walk Score — an app designed to rank your property’s location based on how accessible it is by foot, looking at a unique walkability index to give renters a sense of what to expect from their new home.

Pro-tip: All liv.rent listings contain a handy map of the neighbourhood, including walkability to nearby transit options.

CMHC Mortgage Calculators

Mortgage rates are on every landlord’s mind right now as the Bank of Canada’s interest rates increase. If you’re concerned about what your variable-rate mortgage payments will look like, or if you’re thinking about purchasing another property, CMHC’s mortgage calculator app can help add some certainty to your payment rates, frequency and more.

How liv.rent helps landlords

liv.rent combines features from all of the different landlord app categories featured here, giving landlords and property managers a complete solution to your rental needs. This all-in-one platform helps you see more profits by giving you the tools to digitalize and automate your workflow from start to finish. liv.rent features intelligent productivity and management solutions for every step of the process, like the Trust Score – a comprehensive tenant screening metric that provides complete information, including Equifax® credit reports and income & identity verification for faster, more effective screening.

A productivity tool as well, liv.rent gives landlords the ability to save time and perform key rental functions on-the-go with a mobile app, including a full suite of marketing features like multi-platform listing syndication and insights into your listing’s price and performance. All this, in addition to all the features you’d expect from a rental management and listing platform, like automated rent collection, secure cloud-based document storage, digital contracts & addendums, and so much more.

If you’re ready to automate your rental process and make the switch to an easier, all-in-one rental management app solution – explore liv.rent’s affordable pricing plans for landlords and property managers here.

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market.

>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.

The post The 27 best landlord apps for easier renting appeared first on liv.rent blog.

With this has come an increased number of options to choose from. Regardless of whether you’re a new property management company or an experienced business looking to migrate your company’s operations to a new platform, picking the best property management software for your business’ needs is paramount. Here, we’ll be covering the top property management software in Canada based on pricing and twelve key criteria – as well as going into detail about what makes liv.rent so effective and easy to use.

How do I manage properties digitally?

With so many digital platforms rising to fill the needs of today’s property managers, how is one to choose? It’s increasingly difficult to find a one-size-fits-all platform, as every company’s needs are different. Analyzing each software’s pricing structure, availability and features is a job in and of itself – one that busy property managers don’t always have time for.

That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do the research for you. The following ranking will break down some of the most popular, and best property management software options available for Canadian property managers to give you a better idea of which ones your company should explore further. To read about specific platforms, use the table of contents above to navigate this post.

1. liv.rent

Note: PAD Integration is coming soon

In addition to being an all-in-one rental platform, liv.rent has evolved to become a complete property management solution with all the features today’s property managers expect – with affordable plans designed for every stage of your business’ development.

With a complete 12/12 features, liv.rent has solidified itself as the top option for property managers looking to automate their workflow from tenant screening to signing, collecting rent payments, and more. Not only this, the platform prides itself on creating a trusted community of renters through multi-step verification processes, so property managers can easily recognize and communicate with trusted renters.

liv.rent’s wide range of time-saving features include a comprehensive marketing suite including a customized company landing page, a centralized dashboard for easily managing rent payments, documents, and more, and the new & improved Trust Score – an all-encompassing tenant screening tool designed to give landlords and property managers a complete sense of applicants’ rental and financial history. Not only this, but the platform makes a strong case as one of the safest platforms on this list thanks to secure, cloud-based document storage powered by military-grade encryption for added peace of mind.

For landlords & property managers looking to further streamline their rental process, liv.rent’s new Growth plan is here to make renting easier. The Growth plan is effectively an all-in-one property management software package, with all the tools you’ll need to digitize and streamline your rental process from start to finish. For just $48/month, this comprehensive plan includes:

• Unlimited lease protection addendums
• 2 Trust Score reports with credit check per month
• Automated rental advertising (2 per month)
• Shared management tools for up to 3 users

…plus everything in our Essentials plan.

2. Buildium

Buildium comes close to having a complete range of features but falls short by lacking Instant Tenant Chat and Automated Rental Advertising. With that being said, this popular property management software offers plenty of great tools for beginning property managers and experienced businesses alike. Some companies may find the platform’s pricing a bit restrictive though – plans start at $50 per month with only partially unlocked features, and scale exponentially depending on the number of listings your business manages. In order to unlock the full range of features shown above, you’ll likely be paying upwards of $460/month.

3. Yardi Breeze

Yardi is a popular property management software company that offers two distinct versions for property managers: Yardi Breeze, a streamlined version designed for landlords & property managers with small to medium portfolios, and Yardi Voyager which is designed for larger companies. We’re looking at the former here, which is a streamlined version with an appealingly simple layout and an impressive number of features. In fact, Yardi Breeze only lacks instant chat, with tenant communication only available via SMS or email. Still, this platform has a lot to offer and the per-unit pricing structure may appeal to some property managers.

4. Total Management

Total Management is a web-based property management platform that bills itself as “the easiest property management software on the market”. The software has 9 out of the 12 features we’re looking at here, and notably also lacks Instant Tenant Chat as well as pre-loaded lease addendums.

5. AppFolio

AppFolio is another popular option that also has 9 of the 12 features we’re ranking for here. Again, the platform is missing an easy, instant way to communicate with tenants, as well as lacking lease addendums and automated rental advertising. However, AppFolio does feature an intuitive, easy-to-use layout and contains some of the most important features property managers look for.

6. Leasey.AI

Leasey.AI provides a powerful suite of AI-driven property management tools designed to simplify operations and enhance decision-making. While it lacks features like Integrated Lease Negotiation or Automated Payment Tracking, the platform excels in areas such as automated showing, scheduling and property listing syndication across major rental marketplaces. Leasey.AI is particularly well-suited for property managers seeking to leverage advanced technology for streamlined processes and data-driven insights. The platform’s core strengths lie in its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of modern property management.

7. Doorloop

Doorloop has a solid 8 out of 12 features and is a popular choice among landlords and property managers thanks to its easy setup and all-in-one approach. The platform also lets users manage different types of property like commercial and student housing without requiring additional fees, which makes it attractive for companies with varied portfolios. Despite this, the platform still lacks features like instant chat, lease addendums, automated advertising, and rental pricing insights within listings.

8. Re-leased

Primarily focused on managing commercial properties, Re-Leased is a cloud-based software solution that features a centralized dashboard that allows for a number of complex functions within one platform. With 8 out of 12 features, Re-Leased is a good option for property managers whose portfolios are heavy on commercial properties, but doesn’t quite hold up to some options that are more focused on managing residential properties, since the platform doesn’t advertise tenant screening, instant chat, automated advertising, or lease addendums.

9. Building Stack

Building Stack is specifically designed for Canadian property managers and has a variety of pricing options with varying access to the platform’s many features, including a free tier that only facilitates digital rent payments. The customizability may appeal to some property managers, as you can opt to only use Building Stack’s marketing or communication features without paying for more, or opt for the ‘Full Stack’ package. Building stack offers a solid 8/12 features, although it is more expensive per month than other options on this list.

10. Property Vista

Designed specifically for Canadian property managers, Property Vista has a wide range of tools geared towards managing residential properties. One of the more tenant-friendly options on our list, Property Vista has a convenient tenant portal with communication through email, SMS or bulletins, but doesn’t have a built-in instant chat. The platform also falls short on marketing without the option to automate your advertising and also lacks specific insights, addendums, and a centralized dashboard.

11. TurboTenant

Technically designed for landlords rather than property managers, TurboTenant is a rental property management solution with a good amount of features to conduct basic marketing, management and organizational functions. While the platform is free for landlords, this is only because tenants bear most of the financial weight of the application process – including for screening, paying rent, and optional insurance. Landlords can opt to pay for additional services like lease agreements, e-signing and additional forms.

12. SingleKey

SingleKey bills itself as purely a tenant screening and credit check solution, so it doesn’t provide the same scope of functions as other platforms on this list. With that being said, what SingleKey does do, it does quite well. Its screening reports are similarly comprehensive to liv.rent’s Trust Score, but with a pay per use rate rather than being included in a monthly plan. Additionally, SingleKey facilitates digital rent payments for landlords and property managers for additional functionality.

What is the best property management software in Canada?

It’s hard to determine a clear-cut winner for the best property management software in Canada, since this largely depends on your business’ individual needs, what you’re looking for in software, and what your budget is. With that being said, it’s easy to see why so many property managers have turned to liv.rent for its easy-to-use platform, mobile app, affordable & flexible pricing plans and the sheer number of functions property managers can perform.

Although other options like Buildium, Total Management and AppFolio come close in terms of the number of features offered, liv.rent differentiates itself with its trusted community of renters, landlords and property managers, combined with its unique Trust Score tool, allows for a safe, convenient rental process that eliminates much of the guesswork property management companies usually face.

How liv.rent helps property managers

By combining a complete range of marketing and management features, liv.rent helps property managers save time and grow their business by digitalizing and automating their workflow from start to finish. This all-in-one platform features intelligent solutions for every step of the way, like the Trust Score – a comprehensive tenant screening metric that provides complete information, including Equifax® credit reports and income & identity verification for faster, more effective screening.

For those looking to grow their business or scale their company’s portfolio, liv.rent also gives property managers access to a full suite of marketing features like customized company websites, multi-platform listing syndication, and insights into your listing’s price and performance. All this, in addition to all the features you’d expect from a property management tool, like automated rent collection, secure cloud-based document storage, digital contracts & addendums, and so much more.

If you’re ready to automate your rental process and make the switch to an easier, all-in-one property management software solution – explore liv.rent’s affordable pricing plans for landlords and property managers here.

FAQ: The best property management software in Canada

Rethink The Way You Rent

Not on liv.rent yet? Experience the ease of digital applications & contracts, verified tenants & landlords, virtual tours and more – all on one platform. Sign up for free or download the app.

Subscribe to receive the latest tenant & landlord tips and get notified about changes in the Canadian rental market.

>> Stay up-to-date on the average rent in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal: Rent Reports.

The post The 12 Best Property Management Software In Canada appeared first on liv.rent blog.