What is the average rent in Newfoundland?

The average asking rent in Newfoundland and Labrador is approximately $1,050 for a 1-bedroom and $1,250 for a 2-bedroom. Newfoundland has the lowest rents among all Canadian provinces, though prices have increased modestly in recent years.

Does Newfoundland have rent control?

No. Newfoundland and Labrador does not have rent control. Landlords can increase rent by any amount but must provide adequate notice — typically 6 months for periodic tenancies.

What is the vacancy rate in St. John's?

The St. John's CMA vacancy rate has been among the highest in Canada historically, often exceeding 5%. The market has tightened somewhat in recent years due to population stabilization and modest demand growth.

Newfoundland and Labrador Rental Market Data 2025–2026 | Average Rent & Vacancy Rates

Newfoundland and Labrador rental market data

Newfoundland and Labrador has the lowest rents in Canada. The St. John’s CMA — the province’s only major rental market — has historically maintained high vacancy rates due to modest population growth and adequate supply.

Rents have increased modestly in recent years but remain well below the national average.

Data source: CMHC Rental Market Survey (October 2025), published December 2025. This is the most recent CMHC rental data available — the survey is conducted once per year every October. Next update expected December 2026.

Average rent (Newfoundland and Labrador)

City	2BR Purpose-Built (est.)	2BR Asking Rent	Vacancy Rate (est.)
St. John’s	~$1,050	~$1,250	~4.5%

Newfoundland asking rents average approximately $1,050 for a 1-bedroom and $1,250 for a 2-bedroom across the province — the lowest in Canada.

Rental rules

No rent control — Landlords can raise rent by any amount
6 months notice generally required
Once per 12 months — Only one increase per year
Market-driven — Rents respond to supply and demand

Key market drivers

Energy sector: Oil and gas (Hibernia, Hebron, Terra Nova) drive the economy. Commodity cycles create boom-bust rental demand patterns.

Population trends: Newfoundland has had relatively flat or declining population growth, limiting rental demand. Recent immigration has provided modest support.

Memorial University: MUN is a major employer and source of student rental demand in St. John’s.

Affordable living: Low rents contribute to Newfoundland’s overall affordable cost of living.

Canada Rental Market Data — national overview
Nova Scotia Rental Market — neighbouring Atlantic province
Average Rent in Canada — rent comparison by city and province
Income in Newfoundland and Labrador — provincial income data

Sources

CMHC Rental Market Survey — Housing Market Information Portal
CMHC 2025 Rental Market Report — December 2025
Residential Tenancies Act (NL) — tenancy rules