City of Ottawa

Housing Information

Ottawa offers a wide mix of houses and small and large apartment buildings. Apartment hunters have a good range of choices, and local agencies assist with a variety of services specifically for immigrants. Rents are lower than Vancouver and Toronto, but higher than most other centres.

Average Rents

The average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $941. The average monthly rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $1,143. Compare with other cities.

Vacancy Rate and Availability

In Ottawa, the vacancy rate for two bedroom rental apartments is 2.5 per cent. The vacancy rate for three bedroom rental apartments is 3.9 per cent. This is the proportion of rental apartments that are vacant and ready for move-in.

The proportion of apartments that are either vacant or the present owner has given notice to move-out is 4.9 per cent for two-bedroom apartments, and 6.2 per cent for three-bedroom apartments. Compare with other cities.

Home Purchase Prices

In Ottawa, the average MLS ®¹ house price $257,481. Compare with other cities.

Housing Help

These agencies can help you find an apartment:

• English and French
  Action Logement/ Action-Housing
  450 Rideau Street, Suite 200, Ottawa, ON K1N 5Z4
  Tel: 613-562-8219, Fax: 613-241-1526

• English only
  Housing Help/ Aide Logement
  116 Lisgar, Suite 202, Ottawa, ON K2P 0C2
  Tel: 613-563-4532, Fax: 613-563-8019

These agencies offer advice specifically for immigrants:

• Catholic Immigration Centre
  219 Argyle Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2P 2H4
  Tel: 613-232-9634
• OCISO – Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization
  959 Wellington Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2X5
  Tel: 613-725-0202

Local newspapers that advertise rental housing:

• The Ottawa Citizen
• The Ottawa Sun
• Le Droit