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Sarah O'Donnell
September 24, 2008
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EDMONTON - Homebuyers may find the real estate market slightly less frightening than a year ago, but the Edmonton Social Planning Council says that for many renters, things are still getting worse rather than better.
The council released a survey this morning of Edmonton renters that was conducted in April and May. More than 720 people responded.
"Despite some improvement in the vacancy rate, five times more renters reported that their housing situation is getting worse rather than better," report author and council researcher Anette Kinley said.
More than four out of five renters reported that their rent went up in the last year. Those paying less than $500 a month a year ago saw the biggest increases, reporting an average hike of 61 per cent.
"What it tells us is there's an ongoing crisis in affordable rental accommodation," ESPC research and policy analysis co-ordinator John Kolkman said.
"Even if the issue has receded a bit from the headlines, most of the improvement has been in the homeownership market and in the higher end of the rental market, not in the more modestly priced rental accommodation."
The council plans to take its report to Alberta Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Yvonne Fritz, and will push for the province to do more in the field of affordable housing.
While the province has invested some money to help renters feeling a financial squeeze, Kolkman said, more could be done, such as improving the existing rent subsidy program.
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Wednesday, 22 May 2013 
