The Insanity of Vancouver Rent Prices

My wife and I have been searching for a 2-bedroom apartment, and I can’t believe how out of control the market has become. Anything remotely livable is starting at $2,500+ a month. And for what? • Dilapidated houses or apartments that look like they’re about to fall apart. • Units with mold, pest issues, or structural problems. • Appliances that are barely functional, with landlords who clearly have no plans to fix or upgrade anything. • Apartments under 700 sq. ft. at premium prices.

Even if you’re willing to look outside Vancouver—Coquitlam, Langley, wherever—you’re paying the same price as something in Vancouver, but getting stuck with a unit that looks like it’s been through hell and back, with no meaningful renovations on the horizon. It’s not even like you’re getting more space or better quality the further out you go.

And don’t even get me started on the “no pets” policies. If I’m paying $3,000 a month, how do landlords still have the nerve to dictate whether or not I can have a dog or cat?

It’s insane to be spending $30,000+ a year on a place that’s barely livable. Honestly, how are people just accepting this? How do landlords feel morally okay asking for this kind of money for places that should be condemned? Do they not feel embarrassed showing these units?

This whole situation is so discouraging. Renters are stuck in a system that doesn’t care about them, and I have no idea how it’s gotten this bad—or what we can even do about it.