Unfurnished Rentals in Ottawa, ON

Ottawa, Canada’s capital city nestled between Montreal and Toronto, offers a multifaceted experience. Beyond its governmental prominence, Ottawa’s diverse neighborhoods are famed for walkability and a vibrant culinary scene, complete with local farmers markets.

For renters in particular, Ottawa is a great place to call home. With cheaper average rental rates than Toronto and access to similar amenities and career opportunities, Ottawa is ideal for young professionals looking to enjoy a major urban center without the hefty price tag of other major Canadian cities. The city’s rich history is complemented by both character buildings and newer developments, creating a dynamic and diverse living environment. Additionally, the city boasts excellent educational opportunities, including the esteemed University of Ottawa.

Finding unfurnished rentals in Ottawa requires research, communication with landlords & property managers, securing references, and signing a lease. All this can add up to a lengthy endeavour if you’re not familiar with how to find an apartment in Ottawa. To help you get started, here is a guide with tips for renting in Ottawa.

Ottawa is an attractive city of Ontario known for its thriving community and diverse housing options. While rental prices in Ottawa are generally more affordable compared to Toronto, they have been steadily increasing over time. As a result, finding cheap rentals in Ottawa, especially apartments for rent under $1000, can be challenging. However, to initiate your search, you can refer to this guide highlighting affordable neighborhoods in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) that may offer relatively more budget-friendly rental options.

In addition to choosing your location, it’s important to know what rental types are available in Ottawa (e.g. 1 bedroom apartments, 2 bedroom apartments, 3 bedroom apartments, studio apartments) and the average rent for each property type. Refer below to figure out your options - ranging from furnished rentals and unfurnished rentals to long term rentals and short term rentals.

There are many rental property types you can choose from in Ottawa.

In addition to choosing your property type, there are also specific rental types you can look into.

When you’re searching for unfurnished rentals in Ottawa, make sure to look at what amenities are offered. For instance, check to see if the rental includes utilities like air conditioning, cable and internet or features such as a dishwasher, parking, balcony and fridge.

Tip: When looking at listings on liv.rent, scroll down to the "Amenities" section to see what utilities and features are included with the rental.

Living in Ottawa offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urbanity, making it suitable for a wide demographic from government professionals to students. Compared to Toronto, Ottawa provides a more relaxed pace of life, yet it doesn’t skimp on cultural and entertainment offerings, boasting vibrant areas like the ByWard Market, numerous museums, and the renowned National Arts Centre. The city’s abundant green spaces, including the expansive Gatineau Park, cater to outdoor enthusiasts. With its mix of apartments, condos, and shared housing options, Ottawa is renter-friendly, often presenting more affordable choices than Toronto. Whether you’re seeking a bustling city center experience or the tranquility of suburban neighborhoods, Ottawa provides a balanced and enriching lifestyle.

Like any city, Ottawa is made up of smaller neighbourhoods with their own distinct features. Some of the most popular neighbourhoods include Centretown, ByWard Market, Sandy Hill, Hintonburg, Westboro, Glebe, Kanata, and Orléans. For more info about Ottawa, you can consult this guide on neighbourhoods.

No visit to Ottawa is complete without a trip to Parliament Hill. Home to Canada’s government, the architecture alone is amazing to behold and the grounds are a great place for both locals and tourists to walk around. Other major Ottawa landmarks & historical buildings include: The Royal Canadian Mint, the National War Memorial, Peace Tower, Rideau Hall, and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Search for condos, townhouses, rooms, and houses for rent in Ottawa, ON on liv.rent. Finding unfurnished rentals near you has never been easier. Filter your search by price range (great for finding cheap apartments for rent), unfurnished or furnished apartments for rent, pet-friendly rentals, availability, and housing type. Options range from studio apartments and suites for rent to 1 or 2 bedroom apartment and 3+ bedrooms for rent.

Our Ottawa rental listings are updated in real-time and are current as of Aug 13, 2025.

Looking for a specific type of rental in Ottawa, ON? Use our filters below to find your next home.