Homeowners report higher satisfaction than renters: StatCan

Homeowners in Canada report higher life satisfaction than renters, according to a new Statistics Canada report. Data from January to June 2021 shows homeowners rate their satisfaction at 7.5 (with a mortgage) and 7.9 (without a mortgage) on a 10-point scale, compared to renters’ 6.9. However, much of this disparity stems from homeowners living in better quality, larger dwellings.

Renters often face issues such as inadequate soundproofing and temperature control. Housing policy expert Carolyn Whitzman noted that renting doesn’t inherently reduce satisfaction but that Canada’s housing policies disadvantage renters. She advocates for policies that treat all housing forms with equal dignity.