Short-term vs long-term rentals in Canada

Short-term vs. long-term rentals in Canada

Choosing between a short-term and long-term rental comes down to more than just price. Your lifestyle, work situation, and how long you plan to stay in a city all play a role.

Here’s what you need to know about both options before you sign anything.

What counts as short-term vs. long-term?

A short-term rental is generally any rental under six months. This includes furnished apartments rented by the week or month, sublets, and platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.

A long-term rental is typically a lease of six months or more, most commonly a one-year fixed-term agreement or a month-to-month arrangement.

Short-term rentals: pros and cons

Short-term rentals offer flexibility, which makes them popular with people who are new to a city, between moves, or working a contract job.

Pros

No long commitment. You can leave when your term ends.

Often furnished, so there’s no need to bring or buy furniture.

Useful for testing out a neighbourhood before committing.

Cons

Significantly more expensive per month than long-term rentals.

Less legal protection in most provinces. Short-term tenants may not be covered under residential tenancy legislation.

Less stability. Landlords can end arrangements more easily.

Long-term rentals: pros and cons

A long-term lease gives you stability and, in most provinces, stronger legal protections under residential tenancy law.

Pros

Lower monthly rent compared to short-term options.

Full tenant protections apply in most provinces, including rules around rent increases, notice periods, and maintenance.

More predictable costs for budgeting.

Cons

Breaking a lease early can be costly.

Less flexibility if your plans change.

Typically unfurnished, so moving costs apply.

Which is right for you?

Short-term makes sense if you’re relocating for work temporarily, new to Canada and still finding your footing, or need somewhere to stay while your long-term rental becomes available.

Long-term makes sense if you’ve found a neighbourhood you’re happy with, want rent stability, and plan to stay for at least a year.

A note on tenant protections

Short-term rentals in Canada occupy a grey area legally. In British Columbia, Ontario, and most other provinces, residential tenancy legislation generally applies to rentals of longer than a set minimum period.

If you’re renting short-term through a private landlord rather than a platform, confirm in writing what protections apply before you sign.

Using a verified rental platform like liv.rent gives you a paper trail and verified landlords regardless of lease length.