The CBC's recent No Fixed Address series has drawn some much needed - albeit controversial - attention to Toronto's red-hot rental market.
If you haven't kept up with the string of stories, here it is in a nutshell: journalist Shannon Martin, self-described as "small but cute" - just like her former apartment - lived in a 454-square-foot condo rental for $1,650 a month, plus hydro. Underlining the similar living circumstances of her friends, she reports, "Whether we work in media, pharmacy or public relations, most of us are forking well over 50 per cent of our paycheque to put a roof over our heads."
Hustle. That was Martin's way of making it work. That is, until she received an email from her property manager that rent was about to increase to $2,600. Read: a 454-square-foot condo for $2,600 a month. She called up the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board and got a two-word answer: you're screwed.
A reality? Maybe. Screwed? Not exactly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Greenwin's Communications Director, Jessica Green, and our Chairman, Cary Green, chat about what $1,000 can REALLY get you in the Toronto rental market. Read Jessica's entire piece right now on the Toronto Storeys blog.