What Tenants Are Looking for in a Rental Property in Calgary
Finding a great rental property is about more than just four walls and a roof—it’s about lifestyle, convenience, and peace of mind. Calgary’s rental market is competitive, with tenants ranging from young professionals downtown to families in the suburbs, and each group has its own must-haves. If you’re a landlord or investor in Calgary, understanding what renters really value can help you attract better tenants, fill vacancies faster, and keep renters long-term. Here’s a breakdown of what tenants are looking for in today’s Calgary rental market.
1. Location & Convenience
In real estate, the saying “location, location, location” rings especially true for renters. Tenants in Calgary want to live close to the places they frequent most—whether that’s the downtown core for work, shopping hubs like Chinook Centre, or suburban schools and parks for their kids. A short commute to work or easy access to major transit routes like the C-Train can be a huge deciding factor for tenants choosing between properties.
For example, a one-bedroom condo in the Beltline might be perfect for a young professional who wants to walk to 17th Avenue restaurants, bike downtown, or hop on the Victoria Park/Stampede C-Train station. Meanwhile, a family renting in Nolan Hill or Evanston will prioritize quick drives to Costco, access to new schools, and quiet streets with lots of green space. Even students and medical professionals will often choose properties near University of Calgary, SAIT, or the Foothills Hospital for convenience. Highlighting these local perks in your listing can help your property stand out.
2. Safety & Security
Peace of mind is priceless, and tenants place a high value on safety. Calgary renters are not just looking at the property itself, but also at the neighborhood. Areas with good lighting, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community feel more appealing right away. Many tenants also prefer properties with controlled access, secure entryways, and well-lit parking areas.
Take for example a Mission condo with fob-only access and underground parking—these small details can tip the scales when a tenant is deciding between two similar units. In family-heavy communities like Lake Bonavista or Tuscany, tenants appreciate strong neighborhood watch groups, calm streets, and nearby playgrounds where they feel comfortable letting their kids play. As a landlord, investing in small upgrades like motion-sensor lights or secure locks adds an extra layer of trust for renters.
3. Practical, In-Demand Amenities
Amenities can make or break a rental decision. In Calgary, where winter temperatures can dip well below freezing, simple comforts like in-unit laundry and reliable parking are not just nice-to-haves—they’re essentials. A tenant doesn’t want to trek outside in the cold to do laundry or scrape their car off the street every morning. If your property offers an indoor parking stall, heated garage, or even just a powered outdoor stall, it becomes instantly more attractive.
Another major draw is pet-friendliness. Calgary is a very dog-friendly city, with off-leash parks like Nose Hill Park and River Park attracting thousands of pet owners. Yet, many landlords still don’t allow pets. If you’re one of the few that do—especially in condos or townhomes—you’ll instantly appeal to a larger audience. Even bonus amenities like air conditioning (a big plus in newer south Calgary communities like Seton or Mahogany), or balconies with downtown views, can be the tipping point that makes your rental stand out.
4. Condition & Upgrades
Tenants want a home they can feel proud of. A well-maintained, move-in-ready property leaves a strong first impression, while a run-down or outdated space often pushes tenants away. Simple upgrades like fresh paint, new flooring, or modern light fixtures can transform a unit from “okay” to “wow” without requiring a huge investment.
For instance, a 1980s bungalow in Beddington with the original cabinets and flooring might struggle to rent at market value, while the same home with new vinyl plank floors, updated kitchen counters, and fresh paint could command higher rent and attract a longer-term tenant. Similarly, downtown renters often compare newer luxury towers like The Guardian or Evolution against older high-rises. A slightly older unit with tasteful updates can still compete if it shows care and attention.
5. Space & Storage
Storage is one of those things tenants don’t realize they need until they don’t have it. Closets, pantries, basements, and even small outdoor sheds make day-to-day living more functional and appealing. Families in particular look for extra storage to accommodate kids’ sports gear, seasonal items, and everything else that piles up over the years.
In Calgary, where winter living means snowboards, hockey bags, and bins of seasonal clothing, storage is a huge plus. A townhome in Copperfield with an attached garage becomes much more attractive simply because it offers space for both a car and extra gear. Outdoor space is also highly valued—tenants love having a balcony overlooking the Bow River, or a backyard in Varsity or Brentwood where kids and pets can play. Even small touches like extra shelving or a backyard shed can make your rental more appealing.
6. Lease Terms & Affordability
No matter how nice the property, affordability always comes into play. Tenants want fair rental rates that align with the Calgary market, but they also want clarity around what’s included. Are utilities part of the rent? Is there an additional charge for parking? Transparency about costs helps build trust and reduces misunderstandings later.
For example, many condos in East Village advertise lower monthly rents but tack on additional condo fees, parking charges, or utility costs. Being upfront about these details helps tenants budget and makes them more likely to choose your property. Flexibility in lease terms can also be appealing. A newcomer family arriving in Calgary may prefer a one-year lease to settle down, while a corporate renter working on a short-term project downtown might seek a six-month furnished rental. Offering both, when possible, widens your tenant pool significantly.
7. Tenant Experience & Legal Protections
Finally, tenants value landlords who make the renting experience smooth and professional. This includes clear communication, quick responses to maintenance requests, and straightforward lease agreements that comply with Alberta’s Residential Tenancies Act. A landlord who understands tenant rights and responsibilities sets the tone for a respectful relationship from day one.
Many Calgary landlords are adopting modern conveniences to appeal to today’s renters. For example, a Beltline landlord who accepts e-transfers for rent and uses an online portal for maintenance requests will often fill vacancies faster than one relying only on paper cheques and phone calls. Requiring renters’ insurance is also becoming more common—it protects both parties and signals that the landlord takes property management seriously. A positive tenant experience often translates into longer tenancies and less turnover, which benefits everyone.
Make Your Rental Attractive To Tenants
Tenants in Calgary are looking for more than just a place to live—they want a safe, convenient, and comfortable home that fits their lifestyle. From location and amenities to affordability and landlord professionalism, every detail matters. As a landlord, paying attention to these needs doesn’t just help you fill vacancies faster—it builds long-term relationships with reliable tenants.
If you’re investing in Calgary’s rental market, keep these tenant priorities in mind when buying, upgrading, or marketing your property. Whether it’s a downtown condo appealing to young professionals, a student-friendly apartment near SAIT, or a suburban home in Tuscany perfect for families, the more you can align your rental with what tenants are really looking for, the more successful your investment will be.
Calgary Real Estate Wealth is a full service real estate investment firm that sources, analyzes & negotiates premium investment properties for its investors since 2006. Calgary Real Estate Wealth offers mentorship on all aspects of real estate investing investing through bi-weekly webinars, blogs, podcasts, books & its You tube channel, CREW TV. Calgary Real Estate Wealth also offers, through it's leasing division, CREW Property Services, tenant placement services, ongoing leasing services, and property maintenance and renovations for each property purchased. Real estate investing has never been so easy!
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