The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is seeking more private investment in the country’s rental-housing sector.

The federal housing agency says more private-sector involvement is crucial to increasing long-term supply because Ottawa can not address the dire supply shortage on its own.

The high cost of homeownership has left renting as the only option, CMHC asserts. That means a substantial and sustained supply is required over the long term to stabilize the rental market and enhance affordability.

Some Canadians have contended that more private investment has led to higher rents or landlords taking advantage of tenants. But no firm evidence that private-sector ownership has led to undue rent increases, wrote CMHC Deputy Chief Economist, Aled ab Iorwerth in a comprehensive analysis entitled Accelerating Rental Supply: Encouraging Development while Safeguarding Tenants.

He said legitimate concerns are best addressed by strengthening tenant protections rather than discouraging private investment.

Photo: Shutterstock